Open Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship on November 7 in Pfutsero

KOHIMA — The Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) announced that the 3rd Senior and 2nd U-15 Open Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship, under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), will be held on November 7 at Pfutsero Sports Complex in Phek district.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Kohima on Sunday by CWA President Vezohu Ruho, along with Vice President Zazhota Dawhuo, General Secretary Kukhoto Venyo, Women Coordinator Esther Rhakho, and ground management team representative Rekha Rose Dukru.

The event will be managed by the Chakhesang Catholic Association (CCA).

Ruho stated that the first CWA Open Championship was held in 2019, where Kezhavizo Thevo lifted the title, while the second edition, held in 2022, was won by Huluyi D Vadeo.

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Venyo informed that the championship will be attended by the Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, CL John, as the special guest, and the director of the Department of Tourism as the guest of honour.

He said registration for the senior category will remain open till November 3, with over 50 players already registered. For the Under-15 category, slots will remain open for registration until the tournament day. There are 32 slots, and wrestlers must be born after November 7, 2010.

Prominent wrestlers including Kezhavizo Thevo, Huluyi D Vadeo, Venuzo Dawhuo, Vemele Thingo, Rukukhoto Khusoh, Venü Vadeo, Sasüyi Nyekha, Küvenü Puro, Thüputha Hesüh, Atuo Tevo, Mezivil Kiso, Keneiselie Khawakhrie, Mhaneikholie Kuotsu, Sentilong Imchen, and Lichumthing C Kikon, among others, will participate.

Dawhuo clarified that the event will feature Naga traditional wrestling, which has no point system, unlike the version played in other events to promote the sport among other communities.

The champion of the senior category will receive a prize of INR 2 lakh sponsored by the Chakhesang Catholic Association. The second position holder will receive INR 1.2 lakh, also sponsored by the CCA; the third position holder will get INR 70,000 sponsored by Khrotso John Koza, SE, Directorate of Water Resources; and the fourth position holder will receive INR 50,000 sponsored by Medovilie Ladu, additional director of Agriculture.

The four quarter-finalists will be awarded INR 10,000 each — three sponsored by R Shurhotho Nyusuo, JE PWD (Housing) Division-1 Kohima, and one by Liasou Emy Nukhu, accounts and programme assistant.

For the Under-15 category, the winner will receive INR 15,000; the second position holder, INR 10,000; the third, INR 7,000; the fourth, INR 5,000; and the quarter-finalists will receive INR 2,000 each, sponsored by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association.

Kezhalelie Keretsü will serve as the chief referee, while other referees will include Hüvesü Puro, Zehoto Kikhi, Zacüta Puro, Lhüvenü Phesao, Keneingulie Nagi, Kope Kronu, Khrietuolie Usou, and Sürhoneyi Soho.

The jury board will consist of Chisazo Dawhuo as convenor and Hükhonieyi Soho and Pozoto Shijoh as members.

Dukru stated that the wrestling ground will be declared a “No tobacco zone”, and the periphery of the ground will also be imposed as a “No tobacco zone”. She encouraged wrestling fans to bring their own water bottles to promote waste management, with refill facilities to be provided.

Dukru advised spectators to come in warm clothes, noting that it is almost winter in Pfutsero.

Regarding traffic arrangements, she said the main town area will be designated as a “No parking zone” to facilitate the free movement of vehicles, while the stretch from Mero Hospital to the ground will be reserved for donor plus, guests, VIPs, and officials’ parking. CCTV cameras will be installed for surveillance, and she sought public cooperation.

Parking arrangements include Riku to Menyitsuda colonies for people from the Razeba and Chizami areas; PWD Colony to NST for people from Kohima; and Rukizu to Mission Compound for spectators from the Phek and Chozuba areas. She urged the public to use parking spaces judiciously and avoid disruption.

Tickets are categorised into five types: donor plus tickets priced at INR 5,000 admit two persons and include a food package, free parking, and tea; donor tickets priced at INR 2,000 include a food package, tea, and special seating; the third category is priced at INR 500 with chair seating; the fourth category at INR 300; and the last category at INR 150 for the gallery.

The management informed that arrangements are being made for over 10,000 people to witness the championship.