OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 30
Chakhesang wrestlers Venuzo Dawhuo of Thenyizu village and Vechita Khesoh of Yoruba village retained their title in both middleweight and heavyweight categories of 4th Naga Wrestle Mania Championship organized by 3E Nagaland at Kohima Local Ground.
In middleweight, Venuzo (75 kg), who is also the reigning champion of Open Naga Wrestling 2015, downed Kevizhakho Suokhrie (74 kg), son of Vilakuolie Suokhrie of Jotsoma village in the final to emerge as the champion for the second year. Venuzo, son of Nezohu Dawhuo, also lifted the title in the middleweight category last year.
The third positions for middleweight category were bagged by Zeliang wrestler Nlumrai Hegwang of Mpai village and Chakhesang wrestler Kouzoto Phesao of Suthozu village.Earlier in the semifinal bout, Venuzo came from behind to overcome Nlumrai Hegwang to enter the final, while Kevizhakho defeated Kouzoto Phesao with a straight set victory.
Upcoming Zeliang wrestler Nlumrai, even today, captured the attention of the Khuochiezie spectators who cheered for him to lift the title. This is the second time he had lost to Venuzo Dawhuo. Early this year, he went down to Venuzo in the final at the Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2015, where he bagged the runner-up position.
Following his achievement as the runner-up in this year’s Open Naga Wrestling Championship, Nlumrai rose to prominence, becoming the first among the Zeliang wrestlers to do so.
Apart from the NWA Open Championship 2015, Nlumrai also holds the record to be the first among the Zeliang wrestlers to make it through to the quarterfinal of any wrestling tournaments organized by Nagaland Wrestling Association prior before 2014. He achieved the feat in 2014 edition during the NWA Championship; the year Angami wrestler Atoto Kire of Kigwema village lifted the title.
In heavyweight category, Chakhesang wrestler Vechita Khesoh of Yoruba village also retained his title for the second consecutive year.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 105 kg, Vechita, son of Lt. Sülüyi Khesoh, downed veteran Angami wrestler Zesevikho Meyatsu (85 kg), son of Methalhouvi Meyatsu of Mezoma village in the final to emerge as the winner.
The third positions in heavyweight were bagged by Angami wrestlers Keneisevi Meyase of Sechü Zubza village and Keduovilie Zumu of Tupophema village.
Both the champions and runners-up in both categories fetched a cash award of Rs. 50,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively along with citations, while the champions were also awarded with the category title belt.
The losing semifinalists in both categories also received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each along with citations. The other middleweight wrestlers who have qualified for the King of the Ring Series to be held on October 31 are - Rükusü Lohe, Neimeyietuo Sechü, Vekuyi Medeo, Kewe Mero, Neitsilie Zhünyü, Vizobeilie Punyü, Kudovo Vasa, P Havei, Vetazo Veswuh and Kekhriekolie Khawakhrie.
In heavyweight category, the other qualified wrestlers to compete at the King of the Ring Series are - Besühveto Chüzho, Kekhriezo Nagi, Abijah Swüro and Kikruvilie Zumu.
The day-two event of 4th Naga Wrestle Mania 2015 was graced by the officials of Angami Sports Association (ASA) led by the president Neisievilie Lhousa.
In his address, Neisievilie extended the invitation to all non-Tenyimi communities to come forward and partake in Naga wrestling tournaments.
“Naga wrestling does not belong to Angami-Chakhesang-Zeliang-Mao-Poumai or Tenyimi people alone, but it is for all tribes and communities to participate,” Lhousa said while stating his happiness after coming to know that wrestlers from Manipur, Lotha, Konyak and Phom are taking part in this edition.
The ASA president also challenged the Naga youth to give seriousness in those sports discipline which suits the physical structure of our people.
He was hopeful that a rightful decision in selecting one’s sports discipline will pave more opportunities to our sportspersons to compete at the national and international levels.
Meanwhile, Lhousa also lauded 3E Nagaland for successfully organizing the King of The Ring Series event over the years.
The closing day tomorrow would be graced by Khriehu Liezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, State Lotteries and Music Task Force, as the chief guest.
Saturday’s event will also feature a special series for junior wrestlers to commence at 10 am, followed by the ‘King of The Ring Series 2015’ in the afternoon.
