18th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship begins on December 4 at Kigwema

KOHIMA — The 18th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship will take place today at Kimipfüphe Local Ground, Kigwema, organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) and sponsored by the department of Youth Resources and Sports.

Kevipodi Sophie, MLA of the 14th Southern Angami Assembly Constituency, will be the special guest, while the ground arrangements are being managed by the Kigwema Students’ Union.

A total of 57 wrestlers will compete across four categories. NWA officials informed Eastern Mirror that no foreign wrestlers had registered for the event as of the time of filing this report.

In the 90 kg and Below category, 12 wrestlers will compete — Kuluvezo Soho, Sasuyi Nyekha, Akhruku Vezhu, Khrulhuto Venyo, Basayi Keyho and Nuchoyo Vero from the Chakhesang tribe; and Seyiejalie Gwirie, Thejapuftuo Chüsi, Kikrukhrielie Kehie, Kezevikho Sachü, Kevizhakho Suokhrie and Mhanyikholie Kuotsu from the Angami tribe.

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The Open category features 11 wrestlers — Rukukhoto Khusoh, Venu Vadeo, Thuputha Hesuh, Venuto Nyekha, Mulusu Veswuh and Waku Tara from the Chakhesang tribe; along with Kezhaseluo Pienyu, Kezhavizo Thevo, Atuo Tevo, Kevinguzo Nagi and Dziesevolie Rutsa from the Angami tribe.

In the Provisional category, 21 wrestlers will take part — Pukiye G Shohe, Botovi Achumi, Pikupu Kiho and Anobo Kiho from the Sumi tribe; Sotilo Seb, Shahilo Seb, Jochunyu Semy and Kepenlo Keppen from the Rengma tribe; A. Monthoa from the Konyak tribe; Yimkumsashi Pongen, Imkong Sunep Pongen, Sentilong Imchen and Emsuyanger Longchari from the Ao tribe; A Moa Sangtam, Holichum Sangtam, Dikili Sangtam and Lithriyu Sangtam from the Sangtam tribe; Phetyim Chingmak and L Kusangchollen from the Chang tribe; and Tumchobemo B Murry and Chenithug Y Tungoe from the Lotha tribe.

The Women’s category includes Lutholu Vezuh, Anesu and Vemudulu Zuo from the Chakhesang tribe; Vikehienuo Zumvu, Thejasenuo Thevo and Vizoseno Kiso from the Angami tribe; Mughaholi Margerth Swu and Heilivi Sheqi from the Sumi tribe; Kenensa Mesen and Sonile Kath from the Rengma tribe; Naonmonyu Chang and Chenyang Mongsen from the Chang tribe; and Haizuyile from the Zeliang tribe.Defending champion Venuzo Dawhuo and prominent wrestlers such as Keneisellie Khawakhrie and Huluyi D Vadeo will not take part this year as they are away in Uttar Pradesh for a month-long coaching camp as part of the 17-member NWA contingent.

Players are expected to arrive by 8 am, with the administration of the players’ oath preceding the commencement of matches at 9 am.

In the open category, the winner will receive INR 70,000, the second-place finisher INR 50,000, and the third-place finishers INR 10,000 each. The winner in the 90 kg and below category will get INR 40,000, followed by INR 20,000 and INR 10,000 for second and third places respectively.

For the provisional category, the prizes are INR 30,000 for first place, INR 20,000 for second, and INR 10,000 for third. In the women’s category, the winner will receive INR 20,000, the runner-up INR 10,000, and the third-place finisher INR 5,000.

All participants will receive an allowance of INR 2,000.

Entry tickets are priced at INR 300 for premium seating, INR 200 for standard, and INR 100 for general entry, and will be available at the venue.