KOHIMA — Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü of the Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) defended his title by defeating Kezhavizo Thevo, also of NASA, in the final match of the 52nd Angami Sports Association (ASA) Wrestling Meet held on Saturday at Khuochiezhie Local Ground in Kohima.
Pienyü dominated the match, securing victory by dropping his opponent, Thevo, in both the first and second bouts to claim the championship title. Similarly, Keviser Dzüvichü of NASA secured the third position by winning consecutive bouts against Vaphizo Rutsa, also of NASA, twice.
The quarter-finalists included Atuo Tevo of Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA), Vizakietuo Suohu (NASA), Keneiselie Khawakhrie of Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO), and Khrietsonyü Whuorie (NASA).
The champion was awarded a cash prize of INR 2,50,000, while the runner-up received INR 1,70,000. The third and fourth positions were awarded INR 1,30,000 and INR 1,00,000, respectively.
The quarter-finalist received INR 20,000, while NASA's Khrielabeituo Semou received INR 15,000 for the best tactic. In addition, each participant received INR 2,500.
In total, 60 wrestlers competed for the title, with 20 representing each of WAYO, SASA, NASA, and Chakhro Youth Organisation (CYO), respectively.
Attending the event as the chief guest, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasised the importance of promoting traditional Naga wrestling and mentioned that the sport has garnered immense popularity in Nagaland.
Acknowledging all those involved in fostering the growth of the sport, he suggested that instead of forming associations confined to a tribe, there is a need to establish wrestling associations in various districts.
Rio stressed the importance of establishing a women's division to encourage and ensure equal participation. While underscoring the significance of indigenous games, he assured that the state government would assist in promoting the sportspersons.
Highlighting how sports transcend boundaries, he announced that Nagaland will host the Asian Belt Wrestling Championships event in November of this year.
Further, Rio encouraged wrestlers to forge friendships, exhibit exemplary sportsmanship to spectators, and extended his best wishes to them.
A total of 18 wrestlers from the competition were selected for the upcoming Naga Wrestling Meet.
During the competition, the ASA office bearers for the 2024-2028 term, led by Ruokuovikho Chale as president, were announced.