NAGA WRESTLE MANIA 2016
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 27: Angami wrestler Rovilhulie Pier downed Chakhesang wrestler Venuzo Dawhuo in the final to emerge as the champion in the lightweight category of the 5th Naga Wrestle Mania 2016 on Thursday.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, 24-year-old Rovilhoulie, son of Megokholie Pier from Khonoma village, survived a scare in the third and final bout to overcome his opponent Venuzo, champion of last year’s middleweight category, 19-year-old Venuzo, son of Nezohü Dawhuo, hails from Thenyizumi village under Phek district.
Angami wrestlers Kevizhakho Suokhrie from Jotsoma village and Mhisilieto Kuotsu from Khonoma village, who were defeated in the semi-final, were both adjudged as the third position winners.
On his journey to the final, Rovilhulie Pier took down Kevizhakho Suokhrie in the semi-final, while he defeated another Angami wrestler Seyiejalie Gwirie in the round of last eight. Earlier in the pre-quarterfinal, Rovilhulie wrestled against a robust Chakhesang wrestler Vekutho Soho, who was also rated as a probable contender for the lightweight title.
The wrestlers who made to quarterfinal were Seketoukho Nipu, Kekhrielebei Nisa, Kelhousalie Pier and Seyiejalie Gwirie.The champion walked home richer with Rs. 50,000 along with the lightweight title belt, while the runner-up received a cash award of Rs. 30,000 and both the third place winners were given Rs. 10,000 each.
A total of 73 wrestlers took part in the competition for the lightweight category, however, only 36 wrestlers, who made it to the second round today, have been selected to compete in the ‘King of the Ring Series 2016’, scheduled on October 29.
Earlier in the day, the inaugural function was graced by the president of BJP and vice chairman Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, Visasolie Lhoungu, as the chief guest.
Naga Wrestle Mania – King of the Ring Series, which has become an annual event, is organised by 3E Nagaland under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association.
The three-day event will conclude on Saturday. The selected wrestlers from both lightweight and heavyweight categories will vie for the ultimate title of the “King of the Ring Series 2016” on the final day of the championship. Day-2 will feature the competition for heavyweight and junior category.
