Venuzo Dawhuo representing the Chakhesang Wrestling Association emerged as the winner of the 14th Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2023 held at State Stadium Dimapur on March 18. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 18
Venuzo Dawhuo, 26, representing the Chakhesang Wrestling Association, retained his title as the winner of the 14th Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2023 held at the State Stadium Dimapur on March 18.
In a tightly contested final match, Dawhuo defeated Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, 23, from the Angami Sports Association in the third bout after both wrestlers claimed one bout each. With this win, Dawhuo has managed to claim the title three times now and walked home with a cash prize of Rs 2,10,000 along with citation while Pienyü received Rs 1, 60,000 for coming in second.
Huluyi D Vadeo secured the third position and received Rs 1,10,000 while Thejapfütuo Chüsi secured the fourth position with Rs 80,000.
A total of 56 wrestlers participated in the two day event organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) which included participants from the Ao, Sumi, Lotha and non-Naga communities as well.
During the second day, nearly 6000 individuals came to witness the championship at the state stadium which was finally put to some use albeit without it being fully constructed.
TR Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland who was invited as the chief guest noted that as this was the first time NWA was organising the event outside of Kohima, it would provided the much-needed opportunity for non-affiliated members of NWA to participate and witness the game passed down through generations.
“Naga Wrestling was practiced by our forefathers since time immemorial but, as any of you may be aware, organized Naga Wrestling started only during the 1960’s under the banner of the Federal Government of Nagaland,” he said.
The first legitimate Naga Wrestling Board was formed in 1969 and later the Naga Wrestling Board was renamed to Nagaland Wrestling Association. “Today, NWA is a well-structured and prominent Organization focussing on the improvement of this traditional game and to take forward different styles of Wrestling to greater heights,” he added.
He assured the people that the government is committed to provide all the necessary resources and infrastructure required to make the sport grow further. This included the recent approval for the construction of a world class stadium at Tsiesema under Kohima District by acquiring 14 acres of land.
Through this tournament, he urged upon the gathering to build stronger ties with each other in unity and good sportsmanship.
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