Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 15
Nineteen year Menuosetuo Yiese from Kohima village today emerged champion of the 26th Naga Wrestling Meet 2018 here under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA). Son of Late Khrielatuo Yiese, he downed strong contender Vekutho Soho in the final bout.
Along with a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh, Yiese have also been conferred with Late Velahii Puro Memorial Trophy and cash award of Rs. 30,000.
Six feet tall and weighing 118 kg, Yiese downed Rovilhoulie Pier in the pre-quarter finals.
In the quarter final, he defeated Shurhonieyi Soho and entered finals after defeating Mhasilhousie Nagi in the semi finals.
Ist runner-up Vekutho Soho (22), son of Hukhoneyi Soho from Phek village entered the finals after defeating Venuzo Dawhuo in the semi final.
In quarter final, he defeated Vizakietuo Suohu while in pre-quarter he downed Nepoyi Chierho.
Standing 5’7 tall and weighing 76 kg, Soho pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.
2nd runner-up Mhasilhousie Nagi (25), son of Neisakuo Nagi from Jotsoma village entered the quarter finals after defeating Kekhriezo Nagi.
Nagi entered the semi finals after overpowering Kezhavizo Thevo in the quarter finals.
He lost to Menuosetuo Yiese in the second semi finals.
Standing 5’10 and weighing 95 kg, Nagi has been declared as third place after his contender Venuzo Dawhuo fail to turn up for the bout due to injury and awarded with Rs. 1 lakh.
Earlier, Mhasilhousie Nagi downed reigning champion Vechita Khesoh in the first round. 4th place winner Venuzo Dawhuo (21), son of Nezohu Dawhuo from Thenyizu entered quarter final after defeating Seketoukho Nipu in the pre- quarter.
He lost to Vekutho Soho in the first semi finals.
Standing 5’10 and weighing 92 kg, he pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 80,000. Four losing quarter finalists Pfusato Tetseo, Shurhoneyi Soho, Kezhavizo Thevo and Vizakietuo Suohu awarded with Rs. 20,000 each.
17 wrestlers qualified for the individual round.
Altogether, 54 wrestlers (18 wrestlers each from Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang) vied for the coveted title.
Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) secured the highest group points through two rounds played with 144, followed by Angami Sports’ Association (ASA) – 139 and Zeliang Wresting Association (ZWA) – 13.
This 26th Naga wrestling meet registered around 25,000 spectators, the highest crowd in the history of Naga wrestling meet.
Earlier, minister for planning & coordination and land revenue Neiba Kronu graced the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, Kronu said that sportspersons are the most respected people in this present world.
Kronu said in many parts of the world especially East Asia countries the wrestling similar to Naga style wrestling is being practiced and gaining momentum.
Kronu said Naga style wrestling is an interesting game and appealed the NWA officials to expand the same to other parts of the North Eastern states.
The inaugural function was chaired by NWA vice president Mosonyi Domeh while NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsu delivered presidential address.
Chisazo Dawhuo, senior state wrestling coach and coopted technical secretary NWA administered oath to the wresters. Vote of thanks was proposed by NWA women coordinator Akhale Swuro.
The meet was managed by Angami Baptist Khriesariiii Krotho (ABKK) in aid of construction of ABCC Youth Centre at Chumukedima.
