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Pfutsero, Feb. 10 (EMN): Reigning champion Venuzo Dawhuo on Thursday successfully defended the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) title for the third consecutive time at the 28th wrestling meet held at Pfutsero sports complex.
The 25-year-old wrestler, hailing from Thenyizu village and representing Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA), retained the title after taking down Besuhveto Cumu (CAWA) in both the bouts in the final round.
Dawhuo had earlier won the title in 2018 and 2020.
Weighing 99 kg, Dawhou is also the reigning champion of Nagaland Wrestling Association and CAWA in which he defended the title for the fourth consecutive time.
He walked home with a cash award of INR 2 lakh and Late Chosanyi Rose Memorial running champion belt and an additional INR 20,000 along with citation.
Meanwhile, 31-year- old Besuhveto Cumu of Phusachodu village stood in the second place and won INR 1.5 lakh along with citation.
20-year-old Huluyi D Vadeo came in the third place and won INR 1 lakh. He is also the reigning champion of Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA).
Kuluvezo Soho (22) of Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) stood in fourth position and received INR 80,000.
Quarter finalists also received INR 10,000 each.
In the under -16 category, Thuputha Dzüdo (15) of SWA won the first place and Küvetsüto Kezo (15) of CAWA stood second. Zhoveto Nakro (CAWA) and Mudozo Tetseo of Chozuba Range Wrestling Association came in third and fourth respectively.
The first position received INR 30,000, second INR 20,000, third 15,000, and fourth INR 10,000. Quarter finalist received INR 5,000 each.
Altogether, 18 wrestlers were selected to represent CWA in the NWA, scheduled to be held later this month.
Earlier, addressing the inaugural function, Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, said that belt wrestling is gaining popularity not only in Nagaland but also in the South East Asian countries. He urged the wrestlers to compete in the national and international level while adding that the government is working towards promoting sports in the state. He also called upon the youths to take up other sports discipline besides wrestling.
MLA Kezhienyi Khalo said that the association has been depending on donors and well wishers to meet the expenses of the wrestling event. However, he was of the opinion that was about time that the association brings out some sort of permanent source of income. He also told the wrestlers to display good behavior and discipline.
President of CWA Vekhozo Ringa said that Naga wrestling is more than sports for the people.
'It is our culture and identity and a part of our lifestyle,' he said and called upon the people to not forget the respect and honour that comes along with the traditional game. He further urged all to continue to support the game so that the world recognises the unique culture of the people.
Advisor for Higher and Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha also attended the event. The event was hosted by SWA and managed by Sakraba Youth Organisation.