Venuzo Dawhuo bagged the Champion title at the 30th biennial Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA) meet on January 18, marking his fifth win in the prestigious competition. The event took place in Chetheba Town, located in the Phek district. Dawhuo, a 27-year-old athlete hailing from Thenyizu village, stands at 5.10 feet tall and weighs 105 kilograms. He proudly walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 as the victor of the championship.
Following closely behind, 24-year-old Vemele Thingo, son of Dikhamu Thingo from Thipuzu village, secured the second position. Weighing 100 kilograms, he was awarded a prize of Rs 80,000 for his commendable performance.
In the third spot was 22-year-old Cusavoyi Chuzho from Chetheba town, the son of the late Melusato Chuzho. Weighing 72 kilograms, he received a cash prize of Rs 70,000 for his impressive achievement in the wrestling competition.
Finally, 23-year-old Medozho Kapuh, son of Neswuyi Kapuh and hailing from Thenyizu village, captured the fourth position. Weighing 80 kilograms, he was rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 60,000 for his outstanding performance in the tournament.
In the Under-16 category, Ngosa Tunyi from Kikruma village secured the top position, while Mutsezo Puro, also from Kikruma village, claimed the second spot. Khruzo Tetseo from Khulazu Basa and Nungoto Nakro from Thenyizu village took the third and fourth positions respectively.
Kudecho Khamo, the Advisor for CAWD and Taxes in the Government of Nagaland, who graced the occasion as the special guest, emphasized that the landscape of sports has evolved from mere entertainment to gaining significant prominence with ample opportunities. He encouraged the athletes to uphold integrity, exhibit good character, and diligently train with unwavering determination.
Furthermore, Khamo urged the community to recognize the significance of sports, noting its role in creating employment and generating income amid its growing popularity on a global scale. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fostering harmonious coexistence within society and uniting toward the collective development of a progressive society.
Former Vice-President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI, Kuhupoyo Puro, who delivered a compelling address as the guest speaker, emphasized the importance of sportspeople leading sports associations to drive the promotion of sports.
In his presidential address, Vezhoduyi Thisa urged the people of the Chokri area to reassess their priorities and express gratitude to God for their accomplishments and accolades. He challenged the wrestlers to focus on promoting belt wrestling, anticipating its rise as an international sport and potential inclusion as an Olympic discipline. Additionally, he said excelling in this discipline would enhance their performance in Naga-style wrestling.
The event was orchestrated by Ciekrotso Chuzho, the General Secretary of CAWA. The invocation prayer was led by Rev. Vesupra Tetseo, Pastor of CTBC. The cultural segment featured a folk song performed by the Chakhesang Culture Research Institute from Chetheba. Finally, Thepukhoyi Swuro, the Technical Secretary of CAWA, administered the oath. A new team of CAWA will be spearheaded by Hukupa Ciekhan for the term 2024-26.