Twenty-nine-year-old Venuzo Dawhuo emerged as the champion of the 30th Wrestling Championship 2026 organized by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) at Pfutsero on February 7.
Son of Nezohu Vadeo from Thenyizu village, Dawhuo representing the Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA), defeated Hiiliiyi D. Vadeo in the finals to secure the coveted title. Standing 5’10” and weighing 100 kg, Dawhuo overcame Venu Vadeo in the semi-finals and Besuhveto Cumu of CAWA in the quarter-finals. With this victory, he has now bagged the CWA championship for five consecutive years, earning a cash prize of Rs. 2.50 lakh.
Hiiliiyi D. Vadeo, 23, son of late Veciizo D. Vadeo from Sakraba and representing the Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA), finished runner-up. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 105 kg, he defeated Mulusu Veswuh in the semi-finals and Kuliivezo Soho of Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) in the quarter-finals. He received Rs. 1.70 lakh.
Nineteen-year-old Venu Vadeo, son of Zaseta Vadeo from Runguzu village and representing Chozuba Range Wrestling Association (CRWA), secured third place with a prize of R. 1.30 lakh. He reached the semi-finals after defeating Thupitha Hesiih of SWA.
Fourth place went to Mulusii Veswuh, 22, son of Zacipoyi Veswuh from Suthozu Nawe, also representing CRWA. Standing 5’11” and weighing 82 kg, he defeated Nubasa Rhakho of PAWA in the quarter-finals and received Rs. 1 lakh.
In the junior category, Kiitho Puro of Porba village (SWA) emerged champion, winning Rs. 50,000. Zuve-o Keyho of Phek village (PAWA) stood second with Rs. 30,000, while Mutuve Dozo of Thiivopisu village (CRWA) secured third place with Rs. 15,000. Fourth place went to Bizo Chizo of Phek village (PAWA), who received Rs. 10,000. Losing quarter-finalists were awarded Rs. 5,000 each.
CRWA was declared Group Champion and awarded Rs. 20,000, while PAWA was adjudged the Best Discipline Team, receiving Rs. 10,000.
The championship was graced by national working president of the National People’s Party (NPP), vice president of the Council of State Industrial Development & Investment Corporations of India, James P.K. Sangma, who is also the chairman of Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and president of Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA), as the special guest.
Other dignitaries present included MLAs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and Dr. Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhütso, Nagaland Wrestling Association president Vivolie Kezo, Chakhesang Public Organization president Vezuhii Keyho, Angami Sports Association president Rokovikho Chale, and Zeliang Wrestling Association president Kengim Hunglung.
The inaugural programme was chaired by CWA representative to NWA, Kiihiisheyi D. Vadeo, with the presidential address delivered by CWA president Vezohii Riiho. Technical secretary Riidasa Ciirhah administered the oath to wrestlers, while general secretary Kukhoto Venyo announced the selected players for the upcoming NWA Meet 2026.
A total of 18 wrestlers from CWA were selected for the senior category, including champion Venuzo Dawhuo (CAWA), runner-up Hiiliiyi D. Vadeo (SWA), Venu Vadeo (CRWA), Mulusu Veswuh (CRWA), and others. The meet was managed by the Porbami Wrestling Association.