Winners with dignitaries during the 31st Chozuba range wrestling meet 2026 on January 21. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 21
Reigning champion Venii Vadeo successfully defended his title at the 31st Meet 2026 of the Chozuba Range Wrestling Association (CRWA), held at Chozuba town in Phek district on January 21.
Venii, son of Zaseta from Riinguzu village, defeated his elder brother Miileciyi Vadeo in the final to emerge champion.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 106 kg, Venii received a cash prize of Rs 1.10 lakh sponsored by the CRWA, along with an additional Rs 5,000 sponsored by Khwiithayi Khiisoh, national wrestler and former CRWA and CWA champion.
The runner-up, Miileciyi Vadeo, 22, standing 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 78 kg, received a cash prize of Rs 80,000 sponsored by entrepreneur Pothita Vamuzo.
Miiliisii Veswiih, son of Zacipoyi from Suthozu Nawe village, secured the third position. Veswiih, 22, standing 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 82 kg, received a cash prize of Rs 60,000 sponsored by Er Lhiivoyi Veswiih, Executive Engineer (Electrical), Dimapur Division.
The fourth position was secured by 23-year-old Sasiiyi Nyekha, son of Kusove from Suthozu Nawe, who received Rs 40,000 sponsored by Er Cekhwiilhii Nakro, Sub-Divisional Engineer, BSNL, Phek.
Along with the top four winners, Khrethoveyi Veswiih (Suthozu Nawe), Vetanyi Venyo (Thiivopisii), Mululhu Nienu (Runguzu), Lhuzoto Veswiih (Ruzazho), Khrulhuto Venyo (Thiivopisii), Venuto Nyekha (Chozuba Town), Rukukhoto Khusoh (Yoruba) and Nevosu Sapuh (Ruzazho) qualified for the upcoming Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) Meet 2026.
In the Under-15 category, Miitiive Dozo, son of Cisazo from Thiivopisii village, emerged champion and received Rs 30,000.
Miiduto Dozo, son of Kiidulhiito from Thiivopisii, secured the second position and received Rs 20,000.
Siirhoto Vadeo, son of Veprazo from Chozuba Town, and Muyoto Nienu, son of Besusa from Phugi village, finished third and fourth, receiving Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
The prize money for the Under-15 category was sponsored by Vekuyi Dozo, ex-VCC, Thiivopisii.
Earlier, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and Sanuzo Nienu, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, graced the meet as special guest and guest of honour, respectively.
The inaugural programme was chaired by CRWA vice-president Khokuto Sapu, while CRWA president Sevonyi Keyho delivered the presidential address. CRWA technical secretary Vetazo Veswii administered the oath to 44 senior wrestlers and 18 Under-15 wrestlers.
The declaration and act of blessing for the qualified wrestlers were pronounced by Rev Vesavo Shijo, chairman, CABCC, while the vote of thanks was proposed by CRWA advisor Khosato Vewsiih.
Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) president Vivolie Kezo, Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) president Vezohu Ruho, Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) president Chikhozo Chizo and several other dignitaries were also present at the inaugural programme.
Lhiivenii Phesao officiated as chief referee, assisted by referees and judges from the Nagaland Wrestling Referee Board. The meet was hosted by Yoriiba Baptist Church and the Chozubami Women Society.
