Naga lad Lohe wins gold at World Armwrestling Championship

The 19-year-old Naga lad, Vethozo Lohe representing the Indian team secured a gold medal in the 78 kg below category at the ongoing World Armwrestling Championship 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KOHIMA — In a remarkable feat, Vethozo Lohe from Nagaland secured a gold medal (right arm) in the under-21 category at the ongoing World Armwrestling Championship 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.

The 19-year-old Naga lad, who competed in the below 78 kg category, won the gold after taking down Georgian arm wrestler Luka Tabagua in the finals.

In a video grab of the final match that was streamed live, Lohe was seen putting down his opponent effortlessly.

However, he admitted that he managed to win with his “play style.”

Lohe and Avilie Zuyie, both members of the Naga Armbenders Club, are representing the Indian team in the championship.

Besides the gold medal, Lohe also secured fourth place in the left arm category.

Meanwhile, Zuyie secured fourth place in the 86 kg youth (right arm) and fifth place in overall left arm.

Arm wrestlers from over 30 countries are taking part in the event, organised by the International Federation of Armwrestling, from September 25 to October 1.

About 50 athletes from across the country are competing in the championship, organised by the International Federation of Armwrestling (IFA).

It maybe mentioned that Team Nagaland comprising 8 players won a total of 14 medals for the state this year and got selected for the World Armwrestling Championship. However, due to financial issues and passport issues, only Lohe and Zuyie could participate.

CM Rio congratulates

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has congratulated Lohe for winning a gold medal at the ongoing World Armwrestling Championship 2023 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Thursday.

“Congratulations to Vethozo Lohe on becoming IFA World Armwrestling Champion (Gold Medal in Right Hand) Youth Category, in Malaysia. He has made Nagaland and the country proud. I hope he brings more laurels to the country in the future. Best wishes for all his future endeavours,” Rio wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Congratulations to Vethozo Lohe on becoming IFA World Arm Wrestling Champion (Gold Medal in Right Hand) Youth Category, in Malaysia. He has made Nagaland and the country proud. I hope he brings more laurels to the country in the future. Best wishes for all his future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/QK7Hin3u7N

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 28, 2023

Also read: The Nagaland Chamber Choir: On its journey to winning 2 gold medals at World Choir Games