Correspondent
Defending champion Venüzo Dawhuo emerged as the winner of 28th Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) meet, 2022 by defeating Besühveto Cümu and retained his title on Thursday at Pfütsero Sports Complex, Pfütsero.
Venüzo, son of Nehozü Dawhuo from Thenyizu village, represented Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA).
He walked away with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakhs along with Lt Chosanyi Rose memorial running championship belt which comes with a cash reward of Rs 20,000 and citation.
Runner-up Besühveto Cümu of Phusachodu village, also representing CAWA, bagged a cash prize of Rs. 1.50 lakh.
Huluyi D. Vadeo of Sakraba village, representing Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA) came in 3rd and fetched a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh.
Külüvezo Soho of Phek village representing Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) bagged the 4th position and received Rs. 80,000.
Quarter finalists Küvenü Puro of Porba village (SWA), Vetazo Veswüh of Suthozu Nagwu (Chozuba Range Wrestling Association), Kuchohü Cürha of Khomi (PAWA) and Vemele Thingo of Thipuzu village (CAWA) each received Rs. 10,000. Prominent wrestler Vekutho Soho who made to individual round could not wrestle due to a hand injury.
In the junior category, Thuputha Dzüdo of Porba (SWA) emerged as the champion and walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 30,000.
Küvetsüto Kezo of Kikrüma (CAWA) came in second position, Zhoveto Nakro of Thenyizu (CAWA) emerged as the third and Mudozo Tetseo of Thuvopisu (CRWA) came in fourth position and they received Rs. 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.
Quarter finalists Kelelo Lohe of Losami (PAWA), Mewetu Tsüha of Chizami (SWA), Chikhuthi Vero of North Kikrüma (CAWA) and Shetsü Therie of Pholami (SWA) each received Rs. 5000.
Chokri Area Wrestling Association with 142 group points emerged as the group champion and received Rs. 20,000.
Earlier, gracing the event as the special guest, Minister, Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, said the state government was serious in its approach towards developing the sports infrastructure to promote the talents of Naga youth.
He said Nagaland Olympic Association has affiliated with Indian Olympic Association, thereby opening platform to the sportspersons from the state to reach higher level of competitions. Kronu added that UDA government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio had recently inaugurated Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence at Sovima to push sports activities forward.
He challenged the sportspersons to make the best use of the facilities and move forward. He also urged upon the sportspersons to adopt healthy lifestyle and avoid using intoxicants 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 Vezühü Keyho with Chakhesang wrestling reigning champion Venüzo Dawhuo as a torch bearer.
The inaugural function was chaired by CWA press secretary Kukhoto Venyo while CWA technical secretary Kope Kronu administered oath to the 60 senior and 20 junior wrestlers. The meet was hosted by Secheku Wrestling Aasociation and managed by Sakraba Youth Organization.