Nagaland: Vethozo Lohe is Phek area wrestling champion 2026

Vethozo Lohe emerged as the champion of the senior category of the 29th Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) Wrestling Meet 2026 on Saturday in Phek town.
Son of Razouvezo Lohe from Khutsokhuno village, he pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1.10 lakh, sponsored by Rukuyi Khamo & family.
Nubasa Rhakho, son of Vechineyi Rhakho from Phek village bagged 2nd position and awarded with Rs. 70,000, jointly sponsored by BDO Sekruzu Block, Velhupra Rhakho and JE Urban Development Office Phek, Er. Shekhoto Theluo.
Kiiluvezo Soho, son of Veniechi Soho (Phek village) stood 3rd place and received Rs. 50,000, jointly sponsored by Inspector DEF Kohima, Vikholie Nienu and PA to Advisors NRE & NSDMA Nagaland, Puzhohu Khesoh.
Miitiitso Nienu, son of Shesiiyi Nienu of Khomi bagged the 4th position and pocketed Rs. 40,000, jointly sponsored by president NPF 19th Phek A/C, Lavoto Chizo and secretary COB NPF, Khosheta Rhakho.
Quarter finalists- Basayi Keyho (Phek village), Sao Vezhu (Khomi), Kusayi Tsiitso (Khomi) and Johi Rhakho (Phek) received Rs. 5000 each, sponsored by former champion NWA, Megosier Khate.
Zuveo Keyho, son of Shemutu Keyho (Phek village) bagged the champion title in the 1st Under 15 category and received Rs. 30,000, sponsored by SBI Phek branch
Muzivo Veswu, son of Khrietsolie Veswu (Khuza) stood 2nd position and pocketed Rs. 20,000, sponsored by ABI 6th NAP battalion attached to PHQ Kohima, Vezhosayi Vero.
Bizo Chizo, son of Zaveshiyi Chizo (Phek village) bagged 3rd position and received Rs. 15,000, sponsored by NSCB Ltd Phek Branch.
4th position holder Menuhi Mekrisuh, son of Kewehite Mekrisuh (Losami) has been awarded with Rs. 10,000, sponsored by entrepreneur, Wetezo Lohe.
Earlier, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA graced the inaugural programme as the special guest while Commandant, 39th Assam Rifles Phek, Col Iqbaljeet Singh Dhillon, was the guest of honour.
Earlier, PAWA president Chikhozo Chizo delivered presidential address while the inaugural programme was chaired by PAWA finance secretary Er. Shekhotso Keyho.
PAWA technical secretary Surhoneyi Soho administered oath to 38 senior wrestlers and 13 wrestlers in Under 15 category.
The closing function was led by PAWA representative to Chakhesang Wrestling Association Vekusayi Veswu.
NWA former champion Hukhoneyi Soho officiated the event as chief referee and assisted by Surhoneyi Soho, Kuzhoniecho Keyho, Verayi Tenenu, Shezopa Dzudo, Kuhi Mekrisuh, Vechizo Khamo, Sherayi Tetseo, Veta Soho and Shevota Rhakho.
The meet was managed by Khutsokhuno Baptist Church in aid of the construction of new church building.