Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü is champion of the 29th Naga Wrestling Championship 2024 with others. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 26
Twenty-five years Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü today emerged the champion title of 29th Naga Wrestling Championship 2024 held at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA).
Representing Angami Sports Association (ASA), Pienyü overpowered Vemele Thingo in the final bout to emerge the coveted champion title.
Son of late Thepfusanyü Pienyü from Kohima village, he pocketed a cash prize of Rs 3.20 lakh including Running Trophy of Lt Velahü Puro along with cash award of Rs 30,000.
Standing 6’3 and weighing 136 kg, he downed Neithongulie Kuotsu (ASA) in the pre-quarter finals.
He defeated Vekhosazo Dozo (CWA) in the quarter final and later overpowered the defending champion Venuzo Dawhuo (CWA) in the semi finals.
Earlier, Pienyü defeated Rüvezo D Vadeo (CWA) and Kedalung (ZWA) in the 1st and 2nd round respectively.
2nd place Vemele Thingo
24 Years Vemele Thingo, representing Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) bagged the 2nd position and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 2.20 lakh. Son of Dikhamo Thingo from Thipuzu village, he downed Neizosetuo Kire (ASA) in the pre quarter final.
Standing 6’2 and weighing 105 kg, he downed Venu Vadeo (CWA) in the quarter finals.
In semi finals, he overpowered Rukukhoto Khusoh (CWA).
3rd place Venuzo Dawhuo
27 years Venuzo Dawhuo (CWA) downed Rukukhoto Khusoh to emerge the third position and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh. Son of Nezohu Dawhuo from Thenyizu village, he defeated Khrielabeituo Semou (ASA) in the pre quarter. Standing 5’10 and weighing 105 kg, he downed Kezhavizo Thevo (ASA) in the quarter final.
4th place Rukukhoto Khusoh
24 years Rukukhoto Khusoh (CWA) bagged 4th position and awarded with Rs 1.20 lakh. Son of Zapopra Khusoh from Yoruba village, he overpowered Külüvezo Soho (CWA) in the pre quarter.
Standing 5’11 and weighing 100 kg, he downed Nlumrai Hegwang (Zeliang Wrestling Association) in the quarter final.
Losing quarter finalists- Vekhosazo Dozo, Nlumrai Hegwang, Kezhavizo Thevo and Venu Vadeo received Rs 25,000 each. All the participating wrestlers other than the prize winners were acknowledged with Rs 4000 each.
ASA is group champion
Angami Sports Association with 142 points in the round matches bagged the group champion and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 30,000. CWA secured 140 points while ZWA- 11 points.
54 wrestlers (18 wrestlers each from 3 NWA affiliated units- Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association) vied for the coveted champion title.
Neiphiu Rio, President, Nagaland Olympic Association was present as chief host while TR Zeliang as host and Tenyimi legislators as the cost-host.
World Alysh Federation (WAF) President Adilet Bayaman Uulu graced the meet as the chief guest while UWW World Belt Wrestling Committee President Cholpan Sultanbekova and Asian Alysh Federation and AITWPF President Omarmukhtar Tamboli were the honoured guests.
Mamho Chakrüno was Championship brand ambassador. Visüto Yore, former NWA champion lit the championship torch. The opening ceremony was chaired by NWA General Secretary Vilekho Bio while NWA President Dr Hiabe Zeliang delivered presidential address. NWA Technical Secretary Mitwatei Haibwang administered oath to the wrestlers. Vote of thanks was proposed by NWA Advisor Neivikuolie Khatsü Botsa Baptist Church assisted the meet as Ground Management.
