
Champions of senior and junior category Atuo Tevo and Vidil
Sachu (hand raised) with other winners and officials on Wednesday at Viswema
village. (EM Images)
- VISWEMA — Prominent
wrestler Atuo Tevo on Wednesday won the championship title of the Southern
Angami 2nd Open Naga Wrestling Championship.
- The championship was organized by Jordan Group Viswema at
Viswema village in Kohima district.
- Tevo, hailing from Kidima, defeated Neithongulie Kuotsu in
the final bout and took home the title along with a cash prize of INR 80,000,
while runner-up Kuotsu from Phesama village received INR 60,000.
- The third position was won by Visekhol Mekro from Viswema,
and he received INR 40,000. Another Viswema wrestler, Kevime Vitsu, settled for
the fourth position due to injuries sustained during the semifinals and was
awarded INR 20,000.
- The quarter-finalists—Kelengol Rhetso, Mhasikholie Kuotsu,
Savil Sachu, and Kelengol Kikhi—were awarded INR 5,000 each.
- The 42-year-old Savil Sachu was the oldest player in the
championship.
- Vidil Sachu wins junior category
- Meanwhile, in the Junior Category, Vidil Sachü was the
champion and received INR 20,000, while Viletol Thol was the first runner-up
and was awarded INR 15,000.
- The second runner-up was Visweyie Rote, who took home INR
10,000, and Meyiekhoto Virha secured the third runner-up position and was
awarded INR 5,000.
- Interestingly, all the winners of junior category were from
Kidima village.
- The special guest of the occasion, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso,
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Chairman of the Kohima District
Planning and Development Board, in his address, highlighted the significance of
sports in fostering understanding and strengthening friendships among athletes
and the community.
- Emphasising the need to promote wrestling at a professional
level, Dr. Rhutso referred to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's vision, in which he
advocated for the promotion of Naga wrestling to be played across all districts
rather than being confined to specific tribes, thereby encouraging broader
participation.