Kohima: In a groundbreaking moment for the Hornbill International Naga wrestling Championship, a non-Naga wrestler has claimed the coveted title. Hailing from Kyrgyzstan, 33-year-old Kadyr Kelsinbekov emerged victorious at the 16th edition of the championship, held at Chiechama Amphitheatre on Monday.
This marks the first time in the event’s history that a non-Naga wrestler has taken home the top prize. Kelsinbekov who stands at a height of 5.8ft and weighs 100 kgs is a 10-time champion of the Kyrgyzstan belt wrestling.
Unlike the previous years, the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) had organised the championship for only one category, doing away with its professional and amateur category.
The new champ of the Naga wrestling defeated Chakhesang wrestler Huluyi D Vadeo in the final match to win the title.
Kelsinbekov secured the victory by winning two straight bouts in the final match against Vadeo.
In the run up to the finals, Kelsinbekov defeated Angami wrestlers Sedevizo Keretsü in the first round and later defending champion, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü in the quarter final round.
Kelsinbekov is one of the two wrestlers from Kyrgyzstan who train wrestlers on belt wrestling during a one-day training programme organised by the Angami Sports Association on Saturday.
He walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1,20,000, while the runner-up, Vadeo, received Rs 80,000.
Prominent Naga wrestler Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü secured the third position and was awarded Rs. 40,000, while Venu Vadeo who secured the fourth position received Rs 20,000.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The championship featured 40 wrestlers, including participants from non-wrestling Naga communities such as Sumi and Ao Naga tribes and from the neighbouring Senapati district of Manipur besides two wrestlers from Kyrgyzstan.
The championship coincided with the Hornbill Festival which was graced by Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu as chief guest and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio as host.
Also Read | Nagaland: Kyrgyzstan wrestlers train Naga athletes in Kohima