Venuzo Dawhuo is 27th Naga wrestling champion
27th NWA champion Venuzo Dawhuo with the other winners, officials and dignitaries. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 10
Twenty four year old Venuzo Dawhuo today emerged as the champion of the 27th Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Championship 2020 held here at Kohima Local Ground.
Winning the title, he will receive a cash prize of Rs. 5.30 lakh (Rs. 3 lakh from NWA and Rs. 2 lakh from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio) and Rs. 30,000 as winner of the Late Velahu Puro Memorial Trophy.
Standing 5’10 and weighting 99 kgs, Dawhuo represents the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA). He overpowered Kezhaseluo Pienyü 2-1 in the final bout.
Son of Nezohü Dawhuo and hailing from Thenyizu village of Phek district, Dawhuo entered the finals after defeating Vevohu Swuro in the semi finals.
He downed Visedelhou Chüsi and Besuveto Cumu in the pre-quarter and quarter finals respectively.
1st runner-up: Kezhaseluo Pienyü
Kezhaseluo Pienyü of Kohima village and representing Angami Sports Association (ASA) will pocket a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh (Rs. 2 lakh by NWA and Rs. 1 lakh from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio).
21 years Pienyü, son of Late Thepfusanyii Pienyii, stands 6’3 and weighs 122 kg.
He downed Kuneshoyi Cumu in the first semi finals.
He overpowered Rovilhuolie Pier and Er. Mhasilhusie Nagi in the quarter and pre-quarter finals respectively.
3rd place: Vevohu Swuro
29 years Vevohü Swüro, also representing CWA defeated Kuneshoyi Zuo to take third place. He will pocket a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Swuro, son of Late Husazo Swuro from Thenyizu village, stands 6’11 and weighs 110 kg.
He entered the semi final after defeating Pfusato Tetseo in the quarter final. Swuro downed Petekolie Nipu in the quarter finals.
4th place: Kuneshoyi Zuo
30 year old Kuneshoyi Zuo of CWA, who secured the fourth position, will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 80,000.
Son of Zhonepra Zuo of Suthozu village, Zuo stands 6 ft and weighs 88 kg.
In the quarter finals, he overpowered Keviser Dzüvichü of ASA, while defeating Zasevikho Meyatsu of ASA in the pre quarter finals.
The losing quarter finalists Besuveto Cumu, Pfusato Tetseo, Rovilhuolie Pier and Keviser Dziivichü will pocket Rs. 20,000 each.
Meanwhile, reigning NWA champion Menuosetuo Yiese and NWA 2016 champion Vechita Khesoh could not make it past the individual rounds.
Altogether, 54 top wrestlers from ASA, CWA and Zeliang Wrestling Association vied for the mega event.
Around 30,000 spectators witnessed the 27th NWA championship.
Under-16 C’ship today
The 1st Under-16 Naga wrestling will take place on March 11 from 10:00am onwards. 12 wrestlers each from the Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang tribes will vie for the title.
