Winners of various categories of the 15th NWA Open and first
Women’s Open Naga Wrestling Championship on Friday at Khouchiezhie, Kohima. (EM
Images)
KOHIMA — Reigning
champion Venuzo Dawhuo defended his Nagaland Wrestling Open Championship title
for the fourth time after he lifted the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA)
15th Open Championship title on Friday.
With the latest win, Dawhuo has won the title three
consecutive times (2021, 2023 and 2025). Earlier, in 2015, he also clinched the
champion’s title in the open category.
Dawhuo, who hails from Thenyizu village under Phek district,
defeated another prominent wrestler, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, in the final bout to
lift the title at Khouchiezhie, Kohima local ground.
He won a medal and a cash prize of INR 2,00,000.
Pienyü, from Kohima village, also received a medal and of
INR 1 lakh cash prize.
Semi-finalists Rukukhoto Khusoh from Yoruba village and
Kezhavizo Thevo from Chedema village were awarded INR 50,000 each.
In the Men’s Below 90 kg category, champion Sasuyi Nyekha
from Suthozu village received INR 1 lakh, while runner-up Kevizhakho Suokhrie
from Jotsoma, received INR 50,000.
Semi-finalists Kikrukhrielie Kehie from Medziphema and
Mulusu Veswuh from Suthozu Nawe, were awarded INR 25,000 each.
In the Men’s Below 75 kg category, champion Mulecuyi Vadeo
from Runguzu village received INR 1 lakh, while runner-up Seyiejalie Gwirie
from Jotsoma village pocketed INR 50,000. Semi-finalists Kuluvezo Soho from
Phek village and Azhalhou Kire from Gariphema village, received INR 25,000
each.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s 60 kg and above category, champion
Khrielhounuo Thevo from Seiyhama village took home INR 50,000. The second-place
finisher, Lutholu Vezhu from Upper Khomi village, received INR 25,000, while the
semi-finalists Thejaneino Thevo from Seiyhama village and Haizuyile from Mpai
village, were awarded INR 10,000 each.
In the Women’s Below 60 kg category, champion Vizoseno Kiso
from Sakhabama village received INR 50,000, while runner-up Kelungolu Nakro from
Thenyizu village received INR 25,000. The semi-finalists Helivi Sheqi from
Mishili village and Thujosulu Tetseo from Thuvopisu village, pocketed INR
10,000 each.
What made this year’s wrestling event interesting was the
participation of more tribes, including Chakhesang, Angami, Zeliang, Phom,
Sumi, Ao, Lotha, Pochury, Rengma, and Chang, besides the debut of the women’s
event.
A total of 129 strong contenders —100 men and 29 women —
from ten tribes of Nagaland contested for total prize money of INR 9.90 lakh.
