Our Correspondent
Thipuzu, Jan. 20 (EMN): Reigning champion of the Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA), Venuzo Dawhuo emerged again as the champion for the fourth consecutive time, after winning both bouts in the final round of the 29th edition of the wrestling meet held at Thipuzu village in Phek district on Thursday.
The 25-year-old wrestler from Thenyizu village won the CAWA champion title in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Dawhou, who is also the reigning champion of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), retained the CAWA title after taking down Besuhveto Cumu of Phüsachodu village in the final round and walked away with a cash prize of INR 90,000.
In the third place, Vetuzo Dawhuo of Thenyizu village was given a direct win after his opponent Pfusato Tetseo of Khulazu Bawe village withdrew due to injuries in the semi-final.
The second place received INR 70,000, while the third and fourth position received INR 60,000 and INR 50,000 respectively.
In the junior category, Zhoveto Nakro of Thenyizu village emerged as the winner, while Küvetsüto Kezo of Kikrüma village secured second position. The third and fourth place went to Metüve Chüzho of Thipüzu village and Chikhuthi Vero of North Kikruma village. Cash awards of INR 16,000, INR 13,000, INR 11,000 and INR 10,000 were given to the winners respectively.
Earlier, during the inaugural programme, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, challenged CAWA to promote wrestling in the other communities of Nagaland and have discussions with their sports association.
He further encouraged the youths to explore places outside the state and learn their good practices and apply them back at home.
CAWA president, Dzüthokhoto Tetseo in his address urged wrestlers to display sportsmanship and good character.
He also informed that the temporary mini stadium was built by the best effort of the locals without any blueprint, engineer or architect. He added that the effort of the people signifies progress and unity among the people.
Vezhoduyi Thisa will lead the newly elected executive members of CAWA for the tenure 2022 as president with Vethihu Kezo as vice president. The other office bearers includes Chekrotso Chüzho as general secretary, Samuel Kapu as finance secretary, Thepukhoyi Swuro as technical secretary, Vehücho Rhakho and Vechiso Chüzho as advisors, and Dzüthokhoto Tetseo as the representative to Chakhesang Wrestling Association.