Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 22
19 year-old Petekuolie Nipu of Sechü Zubza village Friday emerged as the champion of the 53rd Western Angami Sports Association wrestling meet held at Kohima Local Ground.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, Petekuolie, son of Rokomekho Nipu downed veteran wrestler Zasevikho Meyatsu (28 years) of Mezoma village in the final to lift the title.
The third position was bagged by Rokosielie Khawakhrie of Mezoma village, while Neivolie Senotsu of Jotsoma village emerged as the fourth place winner.
Earlier, Petekuolie knocked down Neivolie Senotsu in the semis to enter the final, while Rokosielie Khawakhrie went down to his team-mate Zasevikho in the semi final.
The champion walked home richer with Rs. 80,000, sponsored by Er. Vikedosie Kehie, Chief Engineer (NH), PWD, Nagaland. The 1st runner-up fetched a cash award of Rs. 50,000, sponsored by Mego Nagi, Class-1 Contractor, while the third and fourth position winners received Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 15,000 respectively. The prize money for the 3rd and 4th positions was sponsored by Peteroko, Meyase, Deputy Director of Sports, Nagaland University, Meriema Campus, Kohima.The wrestlers who were knocked out in the quarterfinal were Kekhriezo Nagi (Sechü Zubza), Sebeizoto Rino (Jotsoma), Kekhriekolie Khawakhrie (Mezoma) and Zasevituo Chüsi (Mezoma), while the wrestlers who made it to the individual round/pre-quarters were Rovilhoulie Pier (Khonoma), Keneiselhou Hozoyie (Kiruphema) and former Nagaland wrestling champ Megosier Khate (Khonoma).
Some prominent wrestlers including Mhasilhousie Nagi, Keleselhou Chüsi and Seketoukho Nipu went down during the round matches. Meanwhile, Jotsoma village (Group-C) emerged as the group point winners in Naga wrestling event.
A total of 60 wrestlers from the villages under western Angami region took part in the championship.
Earlier, gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister for Social Welfare and Parliamentary Secretary, stressed on promoting Naga wrestling to other parts of Nagaland and even neighbouring places.
He also encouraged the sportspersons to partake in games and sports activities with total commitment and dedication, while he further advised them to strive harder with the aim to earn a livelihood by taking part in sports.
The inaugural function was chaired by T. Husie Lhousa, advisor, WASA, while Kevi Senotsu, president, WASA delivered the welcome address. The oath of administration was led by Neikerüto Rino, wrestling secretary, WASA.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the wrestling championship were Khriehu Liezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports, Music Task Force and State Lotteries, Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA & chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., among others.
The WASA wrestling meet will conclude tomorrow (January 23) with Rovilatuo Mor, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima as the guest of honour. On day-two, there will be free style wrestling and Naga wrestling for junior category (Under-14).
