The winners with others at the NWA’s 28th Naga Wrestling Championship meet 2022 & 2nd Under 16 Naga wrestling in Kohima on February 28. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 28
Reigning champion Venuzo Dawhuo has retained the Nagaland Wrestling Association’s (NWA) Naga Wrestling Championship (NWC) title. Representing Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), 25 year-old Dawhuo downed Angami Sports Association’s (ASA) Mhasilhusie Nagi to retain the belt at the finals of the 28th NWC held in Kohima on February 28.
Hailing from Thenyizu village of Phek district and the son of Nezohii Dawhuo, he defeated Kevisezo Nipu (ASA) of Sechiima in the first round and later downed David Nsanglung (from Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) of Mpai village in the second round.
Standing 5’10 and weighing 99 kg, Venuzo defeated Huluyi D Vadeo (CWA) of Sakraba village in the pre-quarter finals.
He qualified for the semi-finals after defeating Kezhavizo Thevo (ASA) in the quarter finals. He booked the final berth after defeating Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (ASA) in the first semi-finals. He pocketed a cash prize of Rs 3.20 lakh, championship belt along with the late Velahii Puro Memorial Trophy and cash award of Rs 30,000. He also received additional prize money of Rs 50,000 from Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Neiba Kronu.
Runner-up, 29 year-old Mhasilhusie Nagi won a cash prize of Rs 2.20 lakh. Son of Nisako Nagi from Jotsoma village, he defeated Besiihveto Cumu (CWA) of Phusachodu village in the pre-quarters. Standing 5’10 and weighing 93 kg, he overpowered Seketoukho Nipu (ASA) in the quarter-finals. He entered the finals after defeating Pfüsato Tetseo (CWA) in the second semi-finals.
Second runner-up, 23 year-old Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (ASA) pocketed Rs 1.20 lakh. Son of Lt. Thepfusanyu Pienyii from Kohima village, he overpowered Atuo Tevo (ASA) of Kidima village in the pre-quarters. Standing 6’3 and weighing 134 kg, he defeated Vizakieto Suohu (ASA) of Kohima village in the quarter finals. He downed Pfüsato Tetseo (CWA) to win the third place.
Pfüsato Tetseo (27 years), who finished in fourth place, received Rs 1 lakh. Son of Revüsüh Tetseo of Khulazu Bawe village, he defeated Vemele Thingo (CWA) of Thipuzu village in the pre-quarters. Weighing 92 kg and standing 5’11, he defeated Dzieselatuo Keretsü (ASA) of Kohima village in the quarter-finals.
Quarter finalists Dzieselatuo Keretsü (ASA), Seketoukho Nipu (ASA) of Sechü Zubza, Kezhavizo Thevo (ASA) of Chedema village and Vizakietuo Suohu (ASA) received Rs 25,000 each.
In the pre-quarters, Dzieselatuo Keretsii defeated Kevizhakho Suokhrie (ASA) of Jotsoma village while Seketoukho Nipu overpowered Seyiesalie Nakhro (ASA) of Piphema village.
Kezhavizo Thevo defeated Reka Mero (CWA) of Lekromi village while Vizakietuo Suohu overpowered Nüzosa Nyekha (CWA) of Chozuba in other pre-quarters.
All the participants, who have not received any prize, got a participation allowance of Rs. 4000 each.
With 157 points, ASA emerged the group champion and received Rs. 30,000 along with WC Krome (1st NWA president) Memorial Group Running Championship Trophy. CWA finished with 144 points, while ZWA got 8 points.
Thuputha Hesuh is Under-16 Naga Wrestling Champion
Thuputha Hesuh, (CWA) emerged the champion in the 2nd Under 16 Naga Wrestling. Son of Vezhocho Hesuh from Porba village, he pocketed a cash prize of Rs 60,000 with additional prize money of Rs 30,000 from Neiba Kronu.
Kiivetsiito Kezo (CWA) from Kikruma finished in second position. Son of Puduzii Kezo, he pocketed Rs 40,000.
Zhoveto Nakro (CWA) of Thenyizu village bagged the third position. Son of Meleyi Nakro, he received a cash prize of Rs 30,000.
Fourth position winner Mudozo Tetseo (CWA), son of Avesa Tetseo from Thuvopisu village received Rs 25,000.
The losing quarter-finalists included; Setsu Therie (CWA) of Pholami village, Seyievizo Metha (ASA) of Chiechama village and Chikhuthi Vero (CWA) of North Kikruma.
All the participants, who have not received any prize, were awarded with Rs. 3000 each.
Student wrestlers who reached the quarter-final in the Under-16 category have been provided with scholarships of Rs 1000 per month for one year.
Rio assures construction of international standard indoor stadium
Gracing the meet as the special guest, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed happiness that NWA is promoting U-16 category of Naga style wrestling and hoped that it would give strength not only for three wrestling tribes – Angami, Chakhesang and the Zeliang but also other Naga tribes.
He said that though only three tribes compete, Naga wrestling has turned out to be a big crowd puller as other Naga tribes and non-Nagas, especially tourists, also enjoy the indigenous sports as spectators.
Citing the growing popularity of Naga wrestling, Rio encouraged the NWA to go and reach out to other tribes by way of giving coaching and training to be part of the indigenous sports.
With belt wrestling gaining popularity at the national and international levels, he said that there are wider scopes for the Nagas to achieve further heights.
He added that the state government would give grant, as aid, to the NWA for providing coaching to other non-wrestling Naga tribes in the state to promote indigenous and belt wrestling.
The CM also informed that the government in consultation with the NWA has already decided to construct an international standard indoor stadium with a sitting capacity of around 15-20,000, for which land measuring more than 13 acres have been acquired.
Government will give the land and the Association has to take loan for which government will be the guarantor, he said.
The proposed indoor stadium can also host other sports, he added. Conveying best wishes, Rio also called upon the Naga wrestlers to give their best and continue to be proud of being the ambassadors of the indigenous Naga sports.
Also speaking as the guest of honour, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu stressed on the need for the Nagaland Wrestling Association to broaden the horizon from Naga wrestling to other forms of combat sports, including belt wrestling and UFC. He suggested formation of Nagaland Sports Federation to accommodate other events as well.
Meanwhile, Nienu expressed hope that such wrestling meet would continue to strengthen brotherhood among the Nagas.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NWA general secretary Vilekho Bio, while NWA president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang delivered presidential address. NWA Technical Secretary Mitwatei Haibwang administered oath to the wresters.
18 top wrestlers each from three NWA units- ASA, CWA and ZWA vied for coveted championship title in the senior category, while 8 wrestlers each from three units competed in the Under-16 Naga Wrestling. Pesocha Baptist Church Council Thepfuko Krotho Kohima assisted as the ground management personnel.
