Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 11
The 24-year-old Mhasilhousie Nagi of Jotsoma village emerged as the Champion of the 44th Angami Sports Association Wrestling Meet held at Kohima Local Ground on Thursday.
Standing at 5 feet and 11 inches and weighing 90 kg, Mhasilhousie, son of Neisakuo Nagi, downed another Western Angami wrestler Rovilhoulie Pier (23 yrs), son of Megokholie Pier of Khonoma village in the final to lift the coveted title.
The third and fourth positions were also bagged by Western Angami wrestlers Zasevikho Meyatsu (28 yrs) and Zasevito Chüsi (28 yrs) respectively. They both hail from Mezoma village.
Earlier in the semifinal, Mhasilhousie Nagi overcame veteran wrestler Zasevikho Meyatsu in straight sets to enter the final, while Rovilhoulie trounced Zasevito to make it through to the final.
The Champion walked home richer with a cash award of Rs. 1,40,000, sponsored by the Angami Sports Association, while the 1st runner-up won a prize money of Rs. 1,00,000, sponsored by TM Seletsu, Class-1 Contractor, NPWD.
The third and fourth position winners fetched Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively, sponsored by Er. Krosü Rhetso, Additional Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) and Er K. Miachieo, Chief Engineer, Power Department.
Earlier in the quarters, Mhasilhousie downed Menuosetuo Yiese (Northern), while Rovilhoulie beat veteran wrestler Rokosielie Khawakhrie (Western). Zasevikho defeated Neiphretuo Zhünyü (Chakhroma), while Zasevito knocked down Vizobeilie Punyü (Western). The four losing quarterfinalists received Rs. 10,000 each, sponsored by Petevilie Khatsü, Assistant Director, Urban Development and Er Ketouzo Peseyie, Executive Engineer, Urban Development.
The other wrestlers who made it to the individual round and pre-quarters were former Nagaland wrestling champion Megosier Khate and Sabi Gwirie, both representing Western Angami Sports Association.
Meanwhile, the ‘Best Tactic Wrestler’ in Naga style wrestling was bagged by Menuosetuo Yiese (Northern). The prize money of Rs. 10,000 for the best tactic wrestler was sponsored by Beizo Suokhrie, Assistant Conservator of Forest & DDO PCCF & HOFF Office.
The inaugural function was graced by Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Sazo emphasized on promoting Naga wrestling to other parts of India, particularly North East region. He hoped that Nag wrestling would attain the status of a national event with its introduction to more states in the country.
Sazo advised the sportspersons to inculcate the habits of discipline, regular exercise and training. Recalling the days of forefathers when Naga wrestling served as a platform of exchanging relations and promoting unity and friendship, he wished Naga wrestling would continue to remain the same platform, as it has been in the past years.
The Presidential address was delivered by Er Neisievilie Lhousa, President, ASA, while the oath for the wrestlers and tournament officials was administered by Visakhoto Krose, wrestling secretary, ASA. The programme was chaired by Visasielie Suohu, general secretary, ASA.
The 44th ASA wrestling meet will conclude on February 12 with Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA and chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd, as the Guest of Honour. On Day 2, both seniors and cadets will take part in free style wrestling, to be followed by the closing ceremony
