Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, from Kohima village representing Angami Sports Association (ASA) emerged as the champion of the 29th Naga Wrestling Championship organised by Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), at IG Stadium, here on Tuesday, witnessed by a crowd of over 20,000 wrestling fans from across the state.
Standing at a height of 6.3 feet and weighing 136 Kg, Pienyü, was able to secure the coveted title this year after his two previous attempts came short. In 2020, he was placed in the second position and 2022 in the third position.
To his credit, Pienyü had also won the Hornbill International Championship titles in 2021 and 2022, third position in 2023 and also second position in the NWA Open Championship in 2023 and three ASA wrestling meet titles.
In the final match, Pienyü defeated 24-year-old Vemele Thingo from Thipuzu village under Phek district to win the title.
In the first semi-final match, Pienyü, defeated the defending and two times champion of the meet, 27-year-old Venuzo Dawhuo, from Thenyizu village who had stood in his path to the title in their previous two encounters of the championship.
In the second semi-final match, Thingo defeated 24-year-old Rukukhoto Khusoh, from Yoruba village.
In the third-place match, Venuzo Dawhuo defeated Rukukhoto Khusoh. Pienyü walked away with a cash prize of Rs 3.2 lakh along with citation and running trophy of Lt Velahü Puro which also has a cash award of Rs. 30,000.
The second, third and fourth position holders received cash rewards of Rs. 2.2 lakh, Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 1.2 lakh respectively along with citations. ASA group with a total accumulated points of 142 emerged as the group champion and received a cash prize of Rs. 30,000.
All the losing quarter finalists each received Rs. 25,000 while all the participating wrestlers, besides the prize winners, received Rs. 4,000 each.
In the quarter-final matches, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü defeated Vekhosazo Dozo, Rukukhoto Khusoh defeated Nlumrai Hegwang, Venuzo Dawhuo defeated Kezhavizo Thevo and Vemele Thingo defeated Venu Vadeo.
Although the unexpected rain stalled the game twice causing huge mobility and technical issues, the game resumed once the weather subsided.
Earlier, during the inaugural, chief guest and president, World Alysh Federation, Adilet Bayaman Uulu, in his address shared his excitement to be part of the event. While extending greetings from Kyrgyzstan, he said Alysh and Naga wrestling had brought the people of the two communities together and hoped it would further cement the ties and truly unite the people.
Sharing some of the upcoming events of Alysh wrestling in the world, Uulu said Alysh wrestling would be included in the Indoor Asian Games 2025 in Riyadh, Grand Prix in April 25-27 in Bishkek this year. He said the WAF was also working hard to include belt wrestling in Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
He hoped the event would be an Olympic sport since it was played by many countries in central Asia, Europe and African nations. He extended his wishes to the athletes and hoped the best would win. Host for the championship was chief minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, while co-host was deputy CM, TR Zeliang.
The two honoured international guests were president, UWW World Belt Wrestling Committee, Cholpan Sultanbekova and president, Asian Alysh Federation & AITWPF and member, UWW, World Belt Wrestling Committee, Omarmukhtar Tamboli.
Championship brand ambassador was Mamho Chakrüno from Chedema village.
Earlier, the inaugural was chaired by general secretary NWA, Vilekho Bio, invocation was pronounced by sr pastor, CBCMHK, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao.
President’s address was delivered by Dr. Hiabe Zeliang, solidarity message was delivered by Cholpan Sultanbekova. A special number was presented by Seyievinuo Chüzho while technical secretary NWA, Mitwatei Haibwang administered the oath taking. Ground for the event was managed by Botsa Baptist Church.