Dzieselatuo Keretsü is the new NWA open wrestling champ
Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 10: Angami wrestler Dzieselatuo Keretsü of Kohima village emerged as the champion at the 11th Open Naga Wrestling Championship held on Friday, March 10 at Kohima local ground.
29 year-old Dzieselatuo, son of Rev Khriezetuo Keretsü, took down another Kohima village wrestler Menuosetuo Yiese (18 yrs), son of Lt Khrielatuo Yiese, in the final to lift the title.
Another Angami wrestler Thekrusevi Meru, son of Lt Vigwelhuto Meru of Khonoma village was placed third, while Chakhesang wrestler Besuhveto Cümu, son of Zunieyi Cümu of Phusachodu village bagged the fourth position. Thekrusevi was declared as the 2nd runner-up as his opponent Besuhveto failed to wrestle for the third-place match due to an injury which he sustained in the semifinal match against Menuosetuo.
The champion walked home richer Rs. 1,50,000 which was sponsored by CASE Construction, Dimapur, while the second, third and fourth position winners were awarded with a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively, sponsored by Kelei Zeliang, secretary, Government of Nagaland, Dr. Zasekuolie Chüsi, nodal officer, Dept of AH&VS and K. Francis Zeliang.
On his way to lift the coveted title, the new NWA open wrestling champ Dzieselatuo downed Thekrusevi Meru in the semifinal, while he also managed to pull down Chakhesang wrestler Nukhozo Keroh in the round of last eight.
As for the upcoming wrestler Menuosetuo, he defeated Besuhveto Cümu in the semi, while he overpowered Angami wrestler Neitsilie Zhünyü in the quarterfinal and Zasituo Tsükrü in the pre-quarterfinal. Besuhveto entered the round of last four following his victory over NWA reigning champion Vechita Khesoh in the quarterfinal.
The losing quarterfinalists Nukhozo Keroh ((Gidemi village), Petekuolie Nipu (Sechü Zubza), Vechita Khesoh (Yorüba) and Neitsilie Zhünyü (Sechüma) received Rs. 10,000 each, sponsored by Er. Achakbou Newmei, senior engineer, Agri dept, Government of Nagaland, while the losing pre-quarterfinalists including Veneto Nakro (Middle Khomi), Keneiselie Khawakhrie (Mezoma), Vevoshe Chiero (Porba), Thupukutho Phesao (Yorüba), Khrievotuo Sekhose (Kohima), Zasituo Tsükrü (Dihoma), Visietso Krose (Medziphema) and Seyiejalie Gwirie (Jotsoma) were also awarded with cash prize of Rs. 5,000 each, sponsored by Dr. Ilang Iheilung, deputy director, dept of AH&VS.
Parveen Kumar from New Delhi, a traditional belt wrestling champ in 90 plus kg, who took part in the championship was taken down in the first round by Angami wrestler Visietso Krose. Some other prominent wrestlers who failed to qualify to the second round were Keduovilie Zumu and Seketoukho Nipu. Keduovilie went down fighting against former open Naga wrestling champ Pfusato Tetseo, while Seketoukho lost to Zasituo Tsükrü. However, Pfusato Tetseo also failed to qualify for the third round as his match against Angami wrestler Kezhavizo Thevo ended with a dull draw. Both the wrestlers failed to take down one another in the allotted two minutes in both the two bouts. Another skilful Chakhesang wrestler Vetazo Veswuh was also beaten by Seyiejalie in the second round.
The ‘Best tactic wrestler’ award was bagged by Menuosetuo Yiese. He received a cash award of Rs. 10,000, sponsored by NWA. Mention be made that the ‘Best tactic award’ was voted by the donor ticket holders, NWA officials and the president and secretary of the NWA affiliating units including Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association.
Earlier in the day, the inaugural function was graced by MLA Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu as the chief guest, while Seyiekuolie Kesiezie, former Minister and president of Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors Union was the guest of honour for the valedictory programme.
A total of 66 wrestlers, including one Konyak wrestler Y.N. Shanyong and a New Delhi wrestler Parveen Kumar took part in this year’s edition.
The one-day tournament, organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association, was hosted by the Zeliang Wrestling Association, while the ground was managed by the Angami Catholic Union, SFS Church, Kohima.
