Our Correspondent
KISAMA, DECEMBER 4
29 year old Dzieselatuo Keretsü of Kohima village Friday emerged as the champion of the 9th International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship held at the Amphitheatre, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
29 year-old Dzieselatuo took down veteran Angami wrestler Zasevikho Meyatsu of Mezoma village in the final to lift the title of this year’s championship organized by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA).
Playing an exciting final match, Dzieselatuo surprised the crowd at Kisama Heritage with his extraordinary performance. On his way to the final, giant killer Keretsü beat another veteran wrestler Zasituo Tsükrü of Dihoma village in the prequarters, while he overcame another prominent wrestler Keduovilie Zumu of Tuophema village in the quarters. Keretsü downed Chakhesang wrestler Velato Veswüh in the semis to make his way to the final.
The champion Dzieselatuo, son of Khriezetuo Keretsü, walked home richer with Rs. 60,000, while the 1st runner-up Zasevikho (28 years), son of Methalhouvi Meyatsu received Rs. 40,000.
The third position was bagged by Angami wrestler Seketoukho Nipu, son of Rokomekho Nipu of Sechü Zubza village, while Chakhesang wrestler Velato, son of Cekhwüsho Veswüh of Yorüba village, bagged the fourth position. They both received Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively.The four losing quarterfinalists Keduovilie Zumu (Angami), Venuzo Dawhuo (Chakhesang), Wekhrote Kapfo (Chakhesang) and Zenu-o Vadeo (Chakhesang) also received Rs. 5,000 each.
Apart from the prize money arranged by the NWA, the top eight wrestlers also received another Rs. 1,000 each which was contributed by Yitachu, Minister for School Education. Yitachu, accompanied by some government officials, witnessed the wrestling tournament today at Kisama.
A total of 36 wrestlers, 34 local players and two international wrestlers, took part in the day’s championship. The local wrestlers were from Zeliang, Chakhesang and Angami tribes.
The two international wrestlers Nick Voke from London and Simon Jerrard from Torset city, were both from England. Mention be made that both of them are here in Nagaland for the first time. Though both of them were knocked out in the preliminary round, they both also received Rs. 1,000 each along with citation and other tokens.
Earlier, the tournament was declared open by NWA president Nikhrolo Khalo, who later gace away the prizes to the winners. The tournament commenced with invocation pronounced by Rev. Moa Longchari, senior pastor, Baptist Mission Church, Kohima.
The programme was chaired by NWA vice president Neivikuolie Khatsü, while Kuzha cultural Troupe presented a folk song. The oath to the players was administered by NWA joint secretary, Mosonyi Domeh.
