Our Correspondent
Phek, Feb. 1 (EMN): Vekutho Soho on Tuesday emerged as the new champion of the 27th Senior and 2nd under-16 wrestling meet 2022 of Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) at local ground in Phek town.
The 27-year-old champion from Phek village defeated a veteran and former champion Surhoneyi Soho in the final match of the wrestling meet. 42-year-old Surhoneyi Soho, who also hails from Phek village, is a celebrated veteran wrestler and seven times champion of the Phek Area Wrestling, winning his last in 2018.
Celebrating his 25th year at the wrestling arena, Surhoneyi Soho managed to win the first bout in the final, however, Vekutho Soho a younger and smarter grappler outplayed his uncle Surhoneyi Soho in the second and third bout to become the Champion.
Vekutho Soho, who is 5.7 feet tall and weighing 85 kg is the son of a renowned wrestler Hükhoneyi Soho. While Surhoneyi Soho, younger brother of Hükhoneyi Soho is the son of Niekhuhu Soho, weighs 104 kg and stands 5.9 feet tall.
Meanwhile, Akhrüku Vezüh outplayed Sührhovoyi Nienu and won third position and the latter took fourth. They both hail from Khomi village.
On winning the title, champion Vekutho walked walked home with a cash prize of INR 90,000; Surhoneyi received INR 70,000, while the third and fourth position holders Akhrüku Vezüh and Sührhovoyi Nienu pocketed INR 50,000 and INR 40,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, Waku K Tara from Losami village won the first position in the under-16 category and received a cash prize of INR 20,000.
Khriesahu Rhakho of Kutsapo village who won the second position walked home with INR 15,000 and the third and fourth positions were Khosato Nienu and Kelelo Lohe. They received INR 10,000 and INR 7,000 respectively.
A total of 64 wrestlers including 18 for the Under-16 category competed for the coveted wrestling title.
Meanwhile, MLA Küzholüzo Nienu who attended the occasion as the special guest for the inaugural session, called upon the wrestling associations to improvise the standard of the training in order to compete along with other tribes.
He stressed on the need for scientific training, which he stated is the need of the hour for better performances.
Further, he also called upon the gathering to be God fearing and more disciplined in their profession to excel, while he also encouraged the wrestlers to give their best with all seriousness in order to become champions.
Guest of honour, Wepe Mekrisuh, President, NPF Phek division suggested that traditional games should now turn into a profession for wrestlers.
He also added that wrestling is not just about diet but also maintaining the physical aspects of the body. He further asserted the need to give importance for Under- 16 category wrestling for the growth of young wrestlers.