Venuzo Dawhuo retains CWA Naga Traditional Wrestling title as James PK Sangma hails the sport as symbol of brotherhood.
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PFUTSERO — Venuzo Dawhuo on Saturday successfully defended his Champion title for the fifth consecutive time at the 30th Senior and 4th Under-15 Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026, held at the Pfutsero Sports Complex.
The championship, organised by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) and managed by the Porbami Wrestling Association, saw Dawhuo defeat Hüluyi D Vadeo in two straight bouts in the senior final. With the victory, the 29-year-old wrestler retained a title he previously won in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024.
Representing the Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA), Dawhuo—son of Nezohu Dawhuo from Thenyizu village—stands 5.10 feet tall and weighs 100 kg. He received a cash prize of INR 2.5 lakh.
Also read: Chakhesang Wrestling Association Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship begins on February 7
Hüluyi D Vadeo (23), representing the Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA), secured second place and won INR 1.7 lakh. Son of late Vecuzo D Vadeo from Sakraba village, he stands six feet tall and weighs 105 kg.
The third position went to Venü Vadeo (19) of the Chozuba Range Wrestling Association (CRWA), who received INR 1.3 lakh, while Mülüsü Veswüh (22), also of CRWA, finished fourth and won INR 1 lakh.
Under-15 category
In the Under-15 category, Kutho Puro (14) of SWA emerged champion, winning INR 50,000. Zuve-o Keyho of the Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) secured second place with INR 30,000, while Mütüve Dozo of CRWA finished third and won INR 15,000. Bizo Chizo of PAWA placed fourth, receiving INR 10,000.
CRWA was adjudged Group Champion and awarded INR 20,000, while PAWA received INR 10,000 as the Best Discipline Team.
Sangma: Wrestling embodies culture, identity
James PK Sangma, National Working President of the National People’s Party (NPP), attended the event as special guest. Addressing the gathering, he described Naga traditional wrestling, locally known as Künu among the Chakhesang, as a “symbol of brotherhood, cultural heritage and identity.”
Sangma recalled his visit to Porba village in 2000 with his late father, former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma, noting the enduring bond between the Sangma family and the Chakhesang community.
He highlighted that wrestling is not merely a sport but a tradition rooted in respect, discipline and unity, where opponents are addressed as Khrietho-o (beloved friend).
He lauded the achievements of Chakhesang wrestlers, including Dawhuo, a gold medallist at the North East Games 2024, and encouraged young wrestlers to explore allied disciplines such as judo, belt wrestling and freestyle wrestling for national and international exposure.
Commending the Chakhesang Wrestling Association for organising the championship and offering substantial prize money, Sangma said such initiatives help preserve tradition while motivating youth to pursue excellence with dignity.