Venuzo Dawhuo wins Open Nagaland Traditional Wrestling Championship title

KOHIMA — Venuzo Dawhuo, 28, from Thenyizu emerged champion of the Open Nagaland Traditional Wrestling Championship 2025 at Pfutsero on Friday, defeating Venu Vade-o in the final to take home a cash prize of INR 2 lakh.

In the deciding match, Vade-o won the first bout and Dawhuo the second. An injury to Vade-o, however, led to Dawhuo being declared the winner.

In the U-15 category, 13-year-old Kutho Puro of Porba took the title after defeating Lhiwe Ngachu in the final and received INR 15,000.

The championship — the 3rd edition for seniors and 2nd for U-15 — was organised by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association and managed by the Chakhesang Catholic Association at the Pfutsero Sports Complex.

Under the senior category, Venu Vade-o finished second and won INR 1.2 lakh, while Rukukhuto Khusoh and Keneiselie Khawakhrie placed third and fourth, receiving INR 70,000 and INR 50,000 respectively. Quarter-finalists Huluyi D Vadeo, Thuputha Hesuh, Krulhuto Venyo and Mulusu Veswu were awarded INR 10,000 each.

In the U-15 category, Lhiwe Ngachu placed second with INR 10,000, followed by Nehuta Chuzho (INR 7,000) and Tsuhu Tetseo (INR 5,000). Quarter-finalists Betsho Aruji, Tshete Duolo, Vezhopa Dawhuo and Munuhu Chuero received INR 2,000 each.

A total of 55 wrestlers competed in the senior category and 18 in U-15.

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Speaking at the inaugural session, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Village Guards, CL John, said it was his first time witnessing a wrestling event in Pfutsero. He noted that with modernisation, many Naga cultural practices had faded, and appreciated the Chakhesang and Angami communities for keeping traditional wrestling alive. He urged that the sport be expanded to other Naga areas and called for efforts to revive other traditional games.

He reminded players that winning and losing are part of sport, and appealed to the public to cooperate with the state government to bring development.

Tourism Director Veyielo Doulo announced that the department of Tourism, in coordination with the NWA, will introduce a Naga Wrestling Festival to promote the sport. He said more wrestling competitions would be organised in the coming years and welcomed the formation of wrestling associations by more tribes, adding that Naga wrestling should “grow bigger.”

A special song was presented by Niekhoyi Rhakho. The welcome address was delivered by CWA president Vezohü Rüho, and the oath was administered by Pozoto Shijoh, assistant technical secretary of CWA.