Wrestlers in action during the15th Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Open Championship..
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 28
Venuzo Dawhuo today emerged as champion of the 15th Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Open main event.
28-year hold Dawhuo, son of Nezohu Dawhuo, weighing 104 kg and standing at 5.10 feet defeated Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, son of late Thepfusanyü Pienyü, weighing 135 kg and standing at 6.3 feet.
Dawhuo hails from Thenyizu village of Phek district while Pienyü is from Kohima village.
This is Dawhuo’s fourth title in the open category while it is also his sixth championship title including one each in the main event of NWA and also the International Hornbill Naga wrestling event.
As champion, he received Rs 2 lakh while runners-up received Rs 1 lakh. The semi-finalist Rukukhoto Khusoh and Kezhavizo Thevo received Rs 50,000 each.
Altogether 13 wrestlers competed in the open category of the 15th NWA Open championship which also had other weight categories along with the first ever Women Naga Wrestling championship in two categories.
With NWA expanding its horizon and reaching out to different Naga tribes with the traditional belt wrestling, nine tribes—Ao, Chang, Rengma, Lotha, Sema, Pochury, other than the regular wrestling tribes – Angami, Chamkhesang & Zeliang.
In the women’s category, the champion received Rs 50,000, runners-up Rs 25,000 and semi-finalists got Rs 10,000 each. In both the other men’s categories, the champion received Rs 1 lakh, runners-up Rs 50,000 and semi-finalist Rs 25,000 each.
Earlier, the inaugural session was graced by Minister for PHED Jacob Zhimmiwhile Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Kohima president N. Toshi was the guest honour.
NWA publicity secretary Seyielhouvi Nagi chaired the programme while NWA advisor Dr Hiabe Zeliang hoisted the NWA flag and NWA vice president (admin) Mitwatei Haibwang tendered the vote of thanks. Rev Iringtie Kauring, pastor of Zeme Baptist Church offered the invocation while NWA technical secretary Vekhhriyi Chüzho administered oath to the wrestlers and officials.
Result of other categories:
Women below 60 kg:
Champion: Vizoseno Kiso,
Runners-up: Kulangolü Nakro
Semi-finalists: Helevi Sheqi and Theujusülü Tetse-o.
Women above 60 kg:
Champion: Khrielhounuo Thevo
Runners-up: Lütholü Vezhu
Semi-finalists: Thejaneinuo Thevo and Haizuyile Zeliang.
Men’s blow 75 kg:
Champion: Muleciyi Vadeo
Runners-up: Seyiejalie Gwirie
Semi-finalists: Kuluvezo Soho & Azhalhou Kire
Men’s above 75 kgs:
Champion: Sasüyi Nyekha
Runners-up: Kevizhakho Suokhrie
Semi-finalists: Kekrukhrielie Kehie& Mulusu Veswuh.
