Kohima: In a momentous victory, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, hailing from Kohima village and representing the Angami Sports Association (ASA), clinched the coveted title at the 29th Naga Wrestling Championship organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) in 2024 at IG Stadium.
Standing tall at 6.3 feet and weighing 136 kg, Pienyü’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his wrestling career, especially after narrowly missing out on the title in previous years.
Pienyü’s journey to victory included notable achievements such as winning the Hornbill International Championship titles in 2021 and 2022, securing the third position in 2023, and claiming second place in the NWA Open Championship in the same year.
In the final match of the championship, he defeated 24-year-old Vemele Thingo from Thipuzu village under Phek district to clinch the title.
In the semifinal matches, Pienyü overcame the defending champion, 27-year-old Venuzo Dawhuo, from Thenyizu village, who had previously stood in his path to victory.
Thingo emerged victorious in the second semifinal match against Rukukhoto Khusoh from Yoruba village. Dawhuo secured the third-place position by defeating Khusoh in the third-place match.
Pienyü’s outstanding performance earned him a cash prize of Rs 3.2 lakh, along with a citation and the prestigious Lt Velahü Puro running trophy, which also carries a cash award of Rs 30,000. Other top finishers also received cash rewards and citations.
Additionally, the ASA group, accumulating a total of 142 points, was declared the group champion and received a cash prize of Rs 30,000. The championship also recognised the efforts of all participating wrestlers, providing financial support to both prize winners and quarter-finalists.
The inaugural ceremony saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Adilet Bayaman Uulu, President of the World Alysh Federation, who expressed his excitement and extended best wishes to the athletes.
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Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, and Deputy CM, TR Zeliang, graced the event as the chief guest and co-host, respectively. International guests Cholpan Sultanbekova and Omarmukhtar Tamboli were also honored during the ceremony.
As Mamho Chakrüno from Chedema village served as the championship’s brand ambassador, the event not only showcased the strength of Naga wrestlers but also highlighted the cultural significance and growing popularity of wrestling in the state.
Also Read | Local no more: How Naga Wrestling gained a national following