Vethozo Lohe wins the Phek Area Wrestling Association senior title, while Zuveo Keyho takes the U-15 championship in Phek.
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DIMAPUR — Vethozo Lohe emerged as the champion of the senior category at the Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) Wrestling Meet 2026 at Phek town on Saturday.
According to a press release, Lohe pocketed a cash prize of INR 1.10 lakh, sponsored by Rukuyi Khamo and family.
Nubasa Rhakho from Phek village bagged the second position and was awarded INR 70,000, jointly sponsored by Velhupra Rhakho, BDO Sekruzu Block, and Shekhoto Theluo, JE, Urban Development Office Phek.
Kiiluvezo Soho stood in third place and received INR 50,000, jointly sponsored by Vikholie Nienu, inspector DEF Kohima, and Puzhohu Khesoh, PA to Advisor for NRE and NSDMA, Nagaland.
Miitiitso Nienu bagged the fourth position and pocketed INR 40,000, jointly sponsored by Lavoto Chizo, president of NPF 19th Phek A/C, and Khosheta Rhakho, secretary of COB NPF.
Quarter-finalists Basayi Keyho (Phek village), Sao Vezhu (Khomi), Kusayi Tsiitso (Khomi), and Johi Rhakho (Phek) received INR 5,000 each, sponsored by Megosier Khate, former champion of the NWA.
Also read: 51 grapplers to vie for Phek Area Wrestling Association titles in Phek town
In the Under-15 category, Zuveo Keyho bagged the champion title and received INR 30,000, sponsored by the SBI Phek branch. Muzivo Veswu stood in second position and pocketed INR 20,000, sponsored by Vezhosayi Vero, ABI, 6th NAP battalion attached to PHQ Kohima.
Bizo Chizo bagged the third position and received INR 15,000, sponsored by NSCB Ltd. Phek Branch. The fourth position holder, Menuhi Mekrisuh, was awarded INR 10,000, sponsored by Wetezo Lohe, entrepreneur.
Earlier, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu attended the inaugural programme as the special guest, while Col. Iqbaljeet Singh Dhillon, commandant, 39th Assam Rifles Phek, was the guest of honour.
PAWA President Chikhozo Chizo delivered the presidential address, while the inaugural programme was chaired by Shekhotso Keyho, finance secretary, PAWA. Surhoneyi Soho, technical secretary, PAWA, administered the oath to 38 senior wrestlers and 13 wrestlers in the Under-15 category.
The closing function of the 29th edition of the meet was led by Vekusayi Veswu, PAWA representative to the Chakhesang Wrestling Association.
Former NWA champion Hukhoneyi Soho officiated the event as chief referee, assisted by Surhoneyi Soho, Kuzhoniecho Keyho, Verayi Tenenu, Shezopa Dzudo, Kuhi Mekrisuh, Vechizo Khamo, Sherayi Tetseo, Veta Soho, and Shevota Rhakho.
The meet was managed by Khutsokhuno Baptist Church in aid of the construction of a new church building.