Kohima: Venüzo Dawhuo, 25, retained the Naga wrestling title on Monday, demonstrating his dominance after beating 29-year-old Mhasilhusie Nagi in two consecutive bouts in the final match of the 28th Naga Wrestling Championship.
The 28th Naga Wrestling and 2nd Under-16 Championships were held at Khuochiezie in Kohima on Monday.
The two-time champion representing the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) was awarded Rs 3,20,000 as a cash reward from the NWA along with a championship belt and award. The Lt Velahü Puro Memorial Trophy was also awarded to the champion along with a cash prize of Rs 30,000. Moreover, Nagaland lawmaker Neiba Kronu donated an amount of Rs 50,000 to the champion.
Nagi of the Angami Wrestling Association (ASA) walked away with a cash reward of Rs 2.20,000 along with a citation. 23-year-old Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (ASA) took the third position by winning a cash reward of Rs 1.20,000 along with a citation. 27-year-old Pfüsato Tetseo (CWA) took the fourth position and received a cash reward of Rs 100,000 along with a citation.
Losing quarter-finalists received Rs 25,000 each while other contestants received Rs 4,000 each for entering.
The Angami Wrestling Association (ASA) emerged as the overall champion with a total of 157 points, and received a cash reward of Rs 30,000 along with the WC Krome (first president of NWA) commemorative group with championship trophy.
As for the 2nd Under-16 Naga wrestling, Thuputha Hesuh emerged as the champion and won a cash reward of Rs 90,000, of which Rs 30,000 was donated by Minister Neiba Kronu. Küvetsüto Kezo took the second position by winning a cash reward of Rs 40,000.
Zhoveto Nakro took the third position and received Rs 30,000 while Mudozo Tetseo took the fourth position with Rs 25,000. The winners also each received a mention. The other wrestlers each received a cash prize of Rs 3,000 for participating.
In addition, student wrestlers who made it to the quarter-finals will each receive a scholarship of Rs 12,000 for one year.
On Monday morning, the Prime Minister of Nagaland said Neiphiu Rio honored the inaugural ceremony as the special guest. Rio had announced that the state government has acquired 13 acres of land to build an indoor wrestling stadium.
More than 25,000 spectators crowded the local Kohima grounds to witness the indigenous sport, organizers said.
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