KOHIMA: Thejavizo Merhieso of Nerhema village clinched the coveted senior category title at the 35th Wrestling Meet 2026 of the Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association Group-C (NAYSA-C), held at Tsiesema in Kohima district, Nagaland on Wednesday.
Merhieso walked away with a cash prize of ₹30,000, sponsored by Khrielievio Yhor, Secretary General, Nagaland Amateur Boxing Association and NAPO-C Judicial Secretary.
Petoulhoulie Soriinuo of Zhadima secured second place and received ₹15,000, sponsored by Neingutuo Usou, OSD to the Minister of Tourism & Higher Education. Keneichiituo Semou of Nerhema finished third, earning ₹10,000, sponsored by Neithonuo Yiese, Proprietor of Ara Travel. Ruokuovizo Soriinuo of Zhadima placed fourth and received ₹7,000, sponsored by Kevilebeinuo, Women Coordinator, NASA. Losing quarterfinalists were awarded ₹2,000 each, sponsored by Er. Kikrusalie Kiewhuo, Deputy General Manager, NSDMC.
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In the Under-15 category, Keviletuo Khro of Tsiesema emerged champion and received ₹10,000, sponsored by NAYSA-C officials. Ketouphrezo Khro (Tsiesema) finished second with ₹7,000, sponsored by Kevizelie Pienyii, President, Nerhe-Phezha Youth Organization, while Viketoulie Miario (Zhadima) claimed third place with ₹5,000, sponsored by Ruokuovilie Loucii. Razousetuo Rutsa of Nerhe Model secured fourth position.
The event was officiated by Khrietoulie as Chief Referee, assisted by Surhoneyi, Zehoto, Luozolie, Kelhousetuo, Keneiwelie, Dziesekhrietuo, Vikhozolie and Mhasivotuo.
Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor, School Education & SCERT, Government of Nagaland, graced the inaugural ceremony as chief guest. In his address, he expressed satisfaction over the growing popularity of Naga wrestling beyond Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang communities, and welcomed its recent inclusion in a national event at Goa. He also highlighted plans by the Nagaland Wrestling Association to elevate the sport to an international level.
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Seyiekhrielhou Kuotsu, PA to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, attended the prize distribution ceremony as special guest and presented prizes to the winners.
Earlier, NAYSA-C president Petekhrietuo Kiewhuo delivered the presidential address, while Khrielezo Khro, Chairman of Tsiesema Village Council, conveyed greetings. NAYSA-C assistant wrestling secretary Neipfelie Zatsu administered the oath to 51 senior wrestlers and 16 Under-15 participants. The vote of thanks was proposed by NAYSA-C treasurer Ruokuohelie Vipfhe.