Atuo Tevo lifts Southern Angami Open Naga Wrestling Championship

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.
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• The championship was organized by Jordan Group Viswema at Viswema village in Kohima district.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• The quarter-finalists—Kelengol Rhetso, Mhasikholie Kuotsu, Savil Sachu, and Kelengol Kikhi—were awarded INR 5,000 each.
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• The 42-year-old Savil Sachu was the oldest player in the championship.
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• Vidil Sachu wins junior category
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Interestingly, all the winners of junior category were from Kidima village.
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• 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.
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• 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.