Venuzo Dawhuo wins Naga Wrestling Championship 2021

Ultimate Champion Venuzo Dawhuo (hands raised) and other competitors at the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship which was held in Kohima on April 9. (Morung Photo)

Ultimate Champion Venuzo Dawhuo (hands raised) and other competitors at the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship which was held in Kohima on April 9. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 9

Chakhesang wrestler Venuzo Dawhuo emerged as the ultimate champion of the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2021 held here today and pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1.70 lakh.

Weighing 95 kg and standing 5’10, Dawhuo also emerged as champion of the 80 Kg & above category and was awarded another Rs. 50,000.

Son of Nezohu Dawhuo of Thenyizu village under Phek district, he defeated Angami wrestler Dzieselatuo Keretsu of Kohima village in the final of the Ultimate Championship. 23 year old Dawhuo also overpowered Dzieselatuo Keretsu in the final of the 80 kg & above category.

Son of Lt Rev. Khriezetuo, Dzieselatuo Keretsu, weighing 120 kg and standing 5’11 came second and received a cash prize of Rs. 1.20 lakh in ultimate championship category and another Rs. 30,000 in the 80 kg & above category.

 

Menuosetuo Yiese (Kohima) who stood third place in both the ultimate championship and the 80 kg & above category was awarded with Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 20,000 respectively. Yiese, son of Late Khrielatuo Yiese, stands 6 feet and weighs 130 kg.

Kevizhakho Suokhrie (Jotsoma) stood 4th place in the ultimate championship and pocketed Rs. 70,000. Suokhrie, son of Vilakolie Suokhrie and weighing 78 kg, also emerged as champion of the 80 kg and below category and was awarded Rs. 50,000.

Atuo Tevo (Kidima) came 4th in the 80 kg and above category and pocketed Rs. 15,000.

Medozho Kapü (Thenyizu), Ruokuovituo Lese (Mima) and Kekhriekuolie Khawakhrie (Mezoma) who stood second, third and fourth places respectively in the 80 kg and below category, received Rs. 30,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 15,000 respectively.

Earlier, Thechamo N Murry of Wokha district defeated Chakhesang wrestler Deve Ruho in his first match in the 80 kg & below category. He was lost to another Chakhesang wrestler Tavesuh Tetseo in the second match.

Yimküm Sashi from Nokpu village of Mokokchung district lost in his first match in the 80 kg & below category.

The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) recognised the two of them for their participation in the event.
‘Bring other tribes into the fray’

Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor, Er Zale Neikha in his address said that Naga wrestling is one of the oldest traditional games practiced since time immemorial known for settling differences between parties.

Today, it has gained passionate followers and has become one of the most loved sports for Nagas, he said. He however said that unless effort is made to introduce wrestling to other tribes, the concept of making wrestling a common Naga traditional game will not be possible. 

While appreciating the initiatives and efforts of the NWA in trying to popularise Naga wrestling, he urged the association to visualise the prospect of bringing other tribes into the fray.

“I personally feel that conducting coaching camps in other districts of the state will have an impact to gather support of other tribes thereby making wrestling a common Naga traditional game a reality,” he said.

The PDA government and the Youth Resources & Sports Department will try to assist the association if the NWA undertakes the coaching camps in every district for promotion of Naga wrestling, he assured.

In his address, Nagaland’s Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue & Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu said that the PDA government is encouraging the youngsters in the field of games and sports.

He said the government will be setting up a Sports Office Complex at Kohima.

Earlier, NWA President, Dr Hiabe Zeliang delivered presidential address while administration of oath to the wrestlers was led by NWA Technical Secretary, Mitwatei Haibwang. Dr Dietho Koza chaired the inaugural function.

The meet was hosted by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association and managed by the Chakhesang Christian Revival Churches Youth Association.

Winners

Ultimate Championship

Champion: Venuzo Dawhuo (Thenyizu Village, Phek District)

2nd: Dzieselatuo Keretsü 
(Kohima Village, Kohima district)

3rd: Menuosetuo Yiese 
(Kohima Village, Kohima District)

4th: Kevizhakho Suokhrie 
(Jotsoma Village, Kohima district)
 
80 KG and Above

Champion : Venuzo Dawhuo (Thenyizu, Phek District)

2nd: Dzieselatuo Keretsü 
(Kohima Village, Kohima district)

3rd Menuosetuo Yiese 
(Kohima Village, Kohima District)

4th: Atuo Tevo 
(Kidima Village, Kohima District)

80 KG and Below

Champion: Kevizhakho Suokhrie (Jotsoma Village, Kohima district)

2nd: Medozho Kapu 
(Thenyizu Village, Phek district)

3rd: Ruokuovituo Lese 
(Mima Village, Kohima district)

4th Kekhriekuolie Khawakhrie (Mezoma Village, Kohima district)