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The new Angami wrestling champ Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü kneels down in prayer after winning the final match at Kohima local ground on Feb. 15. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima Bureau
Kohima, Feb 15. (EMN): Debutant and heavyweight wrestler Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü of Kohima village emerged as the champion at the 46th wrestling meet of the Angami Sports Association (ASA) held at Kohima local ground on Feb. 15.
19 year-old Pienyü, who represented Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA), clinched the title following his victory against fellow NASA wrestler Kezhavizo Thevo of Chedema village in the final.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 115 kg, the new champ won the final match without much trouble as he managed to pull down his opponent in straight bouts. Kezhaseluo-o, who also stood third at the NASA wrestling meet, is the son of late Thepfusanyü Pienyü.
On his way to lift the title, Pienyü defeated Western Angami wrestler Rovilhoulie Pier in the semifinals, while he overcame another NASA wrestler Kekhriengulie Whuorie in the quarters.
As for runner-up Kezhavizo, son of Keneile-o Thevo, he had a tough semifinal match against Western Angami champion Mhasilhousie Nagi, while he cruised into the round of last four with his victory against Vizakietuo Suohu in the quarters.
The third place was bagged by Mhasilhousie, son of Neisako Nagi of Jotsoma village, while Rovilhoulie, son of Megokholie Pier of Khonoma village was placed fourth. Though the prizes will be given away only during closing function on Feb 16, it was informed that the champion will fetch a cash award of INR 1,50,000 along with title belt, while the second, third and fourth position winners will receive INR 100,000, 70,000 and 50,000 respectively.
All the quarterfinalists including Vizakietuo Suohu (NASA), Neithongulie Kuotsu (SASA), Seyiekhrietuo Yiese (NASA) and Kekhriengulie Whuorie (NASA) will also be given INR 10,000 each.
The other wrestlers who qualified for the individual round were Vitsoto Vitsu (SASA), Menuosetuo Yiese (NASA), Visevo Zashümo (SASA), Seketoukho Nipu (WASA) and Seyiejalie Gwirie (WASA).
All the selected wrestlers would represent ASA at the forthcoming Nagaland Wrestling Association wrestling meet scheduled from March 14 - 15, 2018. However, it was informed that the selection list would be made known only on Feb 16.
Earlier on the day, the inaugural function was graced by Keneilhoulie Keditsu, former president of Nagaland Wrestling Association as the chief guest.
On day-two, there will be competitions for freestyle wrestling with Dr. Kepelhousie Terhüja, president of Angami Public Organisation as the guest of honour.
It may be mentioned that a total of 72 wrestlers representing the four constituent units of ASA (SASA, NASA, WASA, and CSA) took part in the wrestling tournament.