Angami wrestler Menuosetuo Yiese is new NWA champ

More than 25,000 spectators converge at Khuochiezie to witness final day

Kohima Bureau
Kohima, March 15 (EMN): Angami wrestler Menuosetuo Yiese of Kohima village emerged as the champion at the 26th wrestling meet of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) here at Kohima local ground on March 15.
The 19 year-old Menuosetuo defeated Chakhesang wrestler Vekutho Soho of Phek village in the final to lift the title in-front of a packed Khuochiezie crowd. Indeed, Thursday’s gathering at Khuochiezie with over 25,000 spectators was recorded as the biggest crowd ever to have assembled in NWA tournaments.
Menuosetuo bagged the coveted title from among 54 wrestlers who took part in this year’s edition, representing Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA), Angami Sports Association (ASA) and Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA).
Standing at 6 foot and weighing 118 kg, the new NWA champ Yiese, who went down in the first bout, came back strong in the second and third bouts to win the final match. The finalist, 22 year-old Vekutho, is the son of former NWA champion Hukhoneyi Soho.
On his way to lift the title, Menuosetuo beat fellow Angami wrestler Mhasilhousie Nagi of Jotsoma village in the semifinal, veteran Chakhesang wrestler Surhoneyi Soho in the quarters and another Angami wrestler Rovilhoulie Pier in the pre-quarters.
As for the finalist Vekutho, he defeated reigning Chakhesang champion Venuzo Dawhuo of Thenyizu village in the semis and Angami wrestler Vizakietuo Suohu of nKohima village in the quarters.
The third position was bagged by Mhasilhousie Nagi, while Venuzo Dawhuo was placed fourth.
The champion fetched a cash award of INR 3,00,000 lakh and also an addition of another INR 30,000 and trophy in memory of late Velahü Puro, while the second, third and fourth position winners bagged a cash award of INR 2,00,000 lakh, INR 1,00,000 lakh and INR 80,000 respectively.
The losing quarterfinalists Surhoneyi Soho, Vizakietuo Suohu, Kezhavizo Thevo and Pfusato Tetseo received a cash incentive of INR 20,000 each.
The other wrestlers who went down fighting in the pre-quarters were Seketoukho Nipu (ASA), Pusühü Kezo (CWA), Niepoyi Chiero (CWA), Rovilhoulie Pier (ASA), Kekhriengulie Whuorie (ASA), Kekhriezo Nagi (ASA), Vetuzo Dawhuo (CWA) and Seyiekhrietuo Yiese (ASA), while Kuluveto Venuh (CWA) also qualified for the individual round.
The NWA reigning champ Vechita Khesoh, who was part of the CWA squad, failed to make it to the individual round title as he was defeated by Mhasilhousie Nagi in the round matches.
Meanwhile, in Naga style wrestling, the overall group champion was bagged by the CWA with 144 points, followed by ASA with a total of 139 points.
Earlier on the day, the function for the main ceremony was graced by Neiba Kronu, Minister for Planning and Coordination and Land Revenue as the chief guest. In the evening, the prizes to the winners were handed over by Member of Legislative Assembly, Zale Neikha.