Kohima, Feb. 14 (EMN): At a time when the people of the State are so occupied with election activities, here in Kohima, apart from the discussions on election and politics, there has also been much talk on Naga wrestling championships which are underway among the three Tenyimi tribes of Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang.
The Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) recently conducted its tournament on Feb. 8 at Chetheba town, where Venuzo Dawhuo of Thenyizu village emerged as the champion. The promising wrestler Dawhuo clinched the title following his victory against reigning Nagaland wrestling champ and reigning CWA champ Vechita Khesoh in the final. The date for the Zeliang Wrestling Association is yet to be known.
Here in Kohima, Naga wrestling devotees and fans, especially from the Angami community, have been eagerly waiting for the 46th Angami Sports Association (ASA) wrestling meet scheduled from Feb. 15 - 16 at the Kohima local ground.
On Thur. at Khuochiezie, over 60 wrestlers from all four constituent units of ASA (SASA, NASA, WASA, CSA) will be vying for the coveted title which has a cash award of INR 1,50,000. The cash award for the second, third and fourth position winners is fixed at INR 1,00,000, 70,000 and 50,000 respectively.
Going by the opinions of wrestling lovers and aficionados, former ASA wrestling champ Mhasilhousie Nagi from Jotsoma village and last year’s runner-up Menuosetuo Yiese from Kohima village are among the favourite contenders for this year’s edition. Nevertheless, debutant Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü of Kohima village is rated by many as a possible contender for the top title.
It may be mentioned that reigning ASA wrestling champ Dzieselatuo Keretsü will not be taking part in this year’s edition. It was reported that Keretsü, who is also the reigning champ of Hornbill Naga wrestling championship, opted out of the tournament due to injuries.
Some other prominent wrestlers who would be taking part in this year’s edition are Visevo Zashümo, Seyiesalie Nakhro, Kekhriengulie Whuorie, Kekhriezo Nagi, Vitsoto Vitsu, Vizobeilie Punyü, Khrievotuo Sekhose, Visietso Krose and Rovilhoulie Pier among others.
The inaugural function on Thur. will be graced by Keneilhoulie Keditsu, former president of Nagaland Wrestling Association as the chief guest, while Dr. Kepelhousie Terhüja, president of Angami Public Organisation will be the guest of honour for the closing function on the second day.
The ticket for donors is priced at INR 2000, INR 500 for chair and INR 100 for gallery. The wrestling tournament will begin at 9 am.
List of top four winners of each group:
Southern Angami
1st - Visevo Zashümo
2nd - Kekhrie Yhoshü
3rd - Kevime Vitsu
4th - Vitsoto Vitsu
Northern Angami
1st - Menuosetuo Yiese
2nd - Kekhriengulie Whuorie
3rd - Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü
4th - Seyiekhrietuo Yiese
Western Angami
1st - Mhasilhousie Nagi
2nd - Kekhriezo Nagi
3rd - Vizobeilie Punyü
4th - Seyiejalie Gwirie
Chakhroma
1st - Seyiesalie Nakhro
2nd - Visietso Krose
3rd - Vikehiepie Sirie
4th - Teisonguto Meyase
