Kohima: Reigning champion Venuzo Dawhuo representing Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) retained the title at the 28th Naga Wrestling Championship meet 2022 which was held at Kohima local ground on February 28 under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA).
Venuzo defeated Mhasilhusie Nagi (From Angami Sports Association (ASA) to emerge the champion. He is from Thenyizu village of Phek district. Standing 5’10 and weighing 99 kg.
Venuzo pocketed a cash prize of Rs.3.20 lakh, championship belt along with Lt. Velahii Puro Memorial Trophy and cash award of Rs. 30,000.
Mhasilhusie Nagi stood 2nd position and was awarded with a cash prize of Rs.2.20 lakh. He is from Jotsoma village. Standing 5’10 and weighing 93 kg. He entered finals after defeating Pfiisato Tetseo (CWA) in the second semi finals.
Kezhaseluo-o Pienyii (ASA) stood third position and pocketed Rs. 1.20 lakh. He is from Kohima village. Standing 6’3 and weighing 134 kg. He downed Pfiisato Tetseo (CWA) to win the third place.
Pfiisato Tetseo stood fourth position and received Rs. 1 lakh. Hevis from Khulazu Basa village. Weighing 92 kg and standing 5’11, he defeated Dzieselatuo Keretsii (ASA) of Kohima village in the quarter finals.
Quarter finalists Dzieselatuo Keretsii (ASA), Seketoukho Nipu (ASA) of Sechii Zubza, Kezhavizo Thevo (ASA) of Chedema village and Vizakietuo Suohu (ASA) received Rs. 25,000 each.
All the participants who have not received any prize got a participation allowance of Rs. 4000 each.
Under 16 Naga Wrestling
Thuputha Hesuh is Under 16 Naga wrestling champion. He represented CWA and emerged the champion title. Hailing from Porba village, pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 60,000.
Kiivetsiito Kezo (CWA) from Kikruma stood second position. He pocketed Rs. 40,000.
Zhoveto Nakro (CWA) of Thenyizu village bagged the third position. He received a cash prize of Rs. 30,000.
Fourth position winner Mudozo Tetseo (CWA), 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 awarded with Rs. 3000 each.
Student wrestlers who reached the quarter final Under 16 category have been provided with scholarships of Rs. 1000 per month for one year.
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Rio assures construction of international standard indoor stadium. Gracing the meet as the special guest, chief minister Neiphiu Rio informed that the government in consultation with the NWA has already decided to construct an international standard indoor stadium with sitting capacity of around 15-20,000 for which land measuring more than 13 acres have been acquired.
Rio conveyed his best wishes to the Naga wrestlers.
MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) also spoke as the guest of honour. He stressed on the need for the Nagaland Wrestling Association to broaden the horizon from Naga wrestling to other forms of wrestling and contact fights including belt wrestling and UFC.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NWA general secretary Vilekho Bio while NWA president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang delivered a presidential address. NWA technical secretary Mitwatei Haibwang administered the oath to the wrestlers. 18 top wrestlers each from three NWA units- ASA, CWA and ZWA vied for coveted champion title in senior category while 8 wrestlers each from three units joined Under 16 Naga wrestling.