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Champion of heavyweight category, Dzieselatuo Keretsü flanked by the other winners and tournament officials at Kohima local ground on October 26. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 26 (EMN): Chakhesang wrestler Vekutho Soho of Phek village emerged as the champion of the lightweight category at the 6th Naga Wrestle Mania held on October 26 at Kohima local ground.
23 year-old Soho, son of former Naga wrestling champion Hukhonieyi, defeated another Chakhesang wrestler Vetazo Veswüh from Suthozu village in the final to lift the title.
It may be mentioned that the 6th edition of Naga Wrestle Mania, which is part of the Combat Sports Festival 2017, commenced today. The three-day event, which will conclude on Saturday, is being organised by 3E Nagaland (Elite-Entertainment-Enterprise).
On his way to lift the title, Soho defeated Mhiesilieto Kuotsu of Khonoma village in the semifinal, while he overcame Cüto Medeo of Khulazu in the round of last eight. As for runner-up Veswüh, he knocked down Seyiejalie Gwirie of Jotsoma in the semifinal.
The champion Soho was awarded INR 50,000 along with the title belt, while the runner-up Veswüh fetched a cash award of INR 30,000. The two losing semifinalists Mhiesilieto and Seyiejalie both received a cash award of INR 10,000 each.
As for the heavyweight championship, Angami wrestler Dzieselatuo Keretsü of Kohima village bagged the title following his victory against another Kohima village wrestler Menuosetuo Yiese in the final.
Earlier, 31 year-old Keretsü, son of Rev. Khriezetuo, beat veteran Chakhesang wrestler Pfusato Tetseo in the semifinal, while he overcame Kutu Lohe in the quarterfinal.
Upcoming wrestler Yiese, who was defeated in straight bouts in the final, earlier knocked down promising Chakhesang wrestler Venuzo Dawhuo in the semifinal.
Even for the heavyweight category, the champion Keretsü was awarded INR 50,000 along with the title belt, while the runner-up Yiese received a cash award of INR 30,000. The two losing semifinalists Pfusato and Venuzo were given a cash award of INR 10,000 each.
Day-two of the Combat Sports Festival, which will commence at 9.30 AM, will feature the competition for junior wrestling and ‘King of the Ring’ championship.
Meanwhile, 29 lightweight wrestlers have qualified for the King of the Ring championship.
They are Vekutho Soho, Vetazo Veswüh, Mhiesilieto Kuotsu, Seyiejalie Gwirie, Cüto Medeo, Tavesuh Tetseo, Menose Zashümo, Kuchohu Cürha, Shekhopa Lala, Bodeve D Vadeo, Melevo Rose, Menokholie Senotsu, Khrietsonyü Whuorie, Lhuvikhoto Vakha, Khresanguto Nyekha, Kehousalie Kiekho, Bisekhoto Gwirie, Petekuolie Nipu, Kethoveyi Resü, Thekrusevi Meru, Vikehiekho Kehie, Rovilhulie Pier, Beduhu Khamo, Rao D Vadeo, Rükulhü Phesao, Kekhriengukho Nisa, Neitsilie Zhünyü, Megovizo Visienyü and Nunelhuto Meyase.
The heavyweight wrestlers who have qualified for the King of the Ring championship are Dzieselatuo Keretsü, Menuosetuo Yiese, Pfusato Tetseo, Venuzo Dawhuo, Kezhavizo Thevo, Kutu Lohe, Kekhriezo Nagi and Seyiesalie Nakhro.
Earlier on the day, the inaugural function was graced by Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, MLA and president of Naga Peoples’ Front as the chief guest.
In his address, Liezietsu stressed the need to promote and preserve this popular indigenous game, which he said is unique to the Naga people.
“We are not only preserving, but we have updated the sports (Naga wrestling) to a desired level which can go to the world forum,” he said.
Liezietsu senior also lauded 3E Nagaland for opening the platform for category wrestling championship.
“Today’s event can be classified as ‘organised sports’. With category wrestling championship, the game is more balanced,” he said and further congratulated 3E Nagaland for setting a very example for the future.
Delivering the keynote address, Kethosituo Elvis Mepfhüo, while stating that traditional form of Naga wrestling does not have category competitions, he asserted that Naga Wrestle Mania (King of the Ring Series) is a concept developed with the hope to give equal opportunities to wrestlers of different sizes and physical abilities.
“This form of wrestling has both national and international bodies governing the sport and although the categorization is not strictly in tune with belt wrestling categories elsewhere, at least we have a basic system in place with Naga Wrestle Mania through which we can give opportunity for wrestlers to compete in other categorised tournaments,” Mepfhüo said while he extended his gratefulness to the Angami Sports Association and Nagaland Wresting Association for their approval in allowing 3E to conduct the event annually.
He also informed about the Yoddha Fighting Championship, a mixed martial arts event, which will be held on Oct. 28 evening at 5 PM.
“It is our desire to promote sportsman to national and international levels, that we have taken this plunge to include mixed arts this year and we hope that sports enthusiasts will be entertained and at the same time, talented athletes will benefit from both our events,” he added.
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