Winners of Senior and junior category with Neiba Kronu, Kezhienyi Khalo, Medo Yhokha and others at 28th Chakhesang Wrestling Championship 2022 at Pfutsero on February 10.
Our Correspondent
Pfutsero | February 10
Venuzo Dawhuo of Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA) retained the Chakhesang wrestling champion title at the 28th Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) meet 2022, held at Pfutsero Sports Complex on February 10.
Son of Nezohii Dawhuo of Thenyizu, he defeated Vetazo Veswuh in the quarter finals. He booked final berth after defeating Kuluvezo Soho in the first semi finals. He pocketed a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh along with Lt Chosanyi Rose Memorial Running Championship Belt including Rs 20,000 and citation. Standing 5’11 and weighing 99 kg, Twenty five year Venuzo defeated Besiihveto Ciimu in finals.
Runner up 31 years Besiihveto Ciimu of Phusachodu, also representing CAWA received a cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh. Son of Ziineyi Cumu and standing 6 feet and weighing 98 kg, Besuveto defeated Kuchohu Curha in the quarter finals.
He entered finals after defeating Huluyi D Vadeo in semi finals.
Huluyi D Vadeo, son of late Vecuzo D Vadeo of Sakraba village representing Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA) stood 3rd place and fetched a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Huluyi defeated Vemele Thingo in the quarter final.
Kuluvezo Soho, son of Venechi Soho of Phek Village representing Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) bagged the 4th position and received Rs 80,000. Kuluvezo overpowered Kiivenu Puro in quarter final.
Losing quarter finalists Kiivenii Puro of Porba village (SWA), Vetazo Veswuh of Suthozu Nagwu (Chozuba Range Wrestling Association), Kuchohii Curha of Khomi (PAWA) and Vemele Thingo of Thipuzu vilage (CAWA) were awarded with Rs. 10,000 each.
Prominent wrestler Vekutho Soho who made to individual round could not wrestle due to hand injury.
In junior category, Thuputha Dziido of Porba (SWA) emerged the Champion title and received Rs 30,000.
Kiivetsiito Kezo of Kikriima (CAWA) stood second position and received Rs 20,000. Zhoveto Nakro of Thenyizu (CAWA) and Mudozo Tetseo of Thuvopisu (CRWA) stood 3rd and 4th position and received Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
Losing quarter finalists Kelelo Lohe of Losami (PAWA), Mewetu Tsiiha of Chizami (SWA), Chikhuthi Vero of North Kikriima (CAWA) and Shetsii Therie of Pholami (SWA) have been awarded with Rs 5000 each.
Chokri Area Wrestling Association with 142 group points has been declared as the group champion and received Rs 20,000.
Earlier, gracing the event as the special guest, Nagaland Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu informed that the state government is serious in developing the sports infrastructure to promote the talents of the Naga youth.
He said that Nagaland Olympic Association has been affiliated to Indian Olympic Association, thereby opening platform to the sports persons from the state to the higher level of competitions. He said that UDA government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio has recently inaugurated Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence at Sovima to push the sports activities forward. He challenged the sportspersons to make the best use of the provided facilities and excel. He also urged upon the sportspersons to adopt healthy lifestyle and avoid using intoxicating things and work hard to excel in sports.
Also speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, MLA Kezhienyi Khalo stressed on the need to widen the horizon of Naga wrestling across the state. CWA President, Vekhozo Ringa said that the scenario of Naga wrestling is changing from being a local traditional sport to National and international with the introduction of belt wrestling. “Belt wrestling bodies are working for introduction of belt wrestling into an Olympic medal event. Once this initiative comes into reality, the Naga wrestling activities will change in totality,” he said. In this, he challenged everyone to support such move “to make our style of wrestling an international event and that is possible with belt wrestling.”
Earlier, lighting of the championship torch was done by Chakhesang Public Organization president Veziihii Keyho with Chakhesang wrestling reigning champion Veniizo Dawhuo as torch bearer. The inaugural function was chaired by CWA press secretary Kukhoto Venyo while CWA technical secretary Kope Kronu administered oath to 60 senior and 20 junior wrestlers. The meet was hosted by Secheku Wrestling Association and managed by Sakraba Youth Organization.
