Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü retains title at NASA wrestling meet

KOHIMA — Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 131 kilogrammes, defended his title and emerged as the champion of the 65th Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) wrestling meet on Wednesday evening at Ziekezou ground in Kohima village.

Pienyü defeated Menuosetuo Yiese, a strong opponent standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 100 kilogrammes, to retain the championship title. Pienyü engaged in a brief struggle with Yiese before executing a decisive move, lifting him off the ground and dropped him and securing victory in the first bout, which lasted just over a minute.

In the subsequent bout, Pienyü and Yiese continued to grapple fiercely, both wrestlers ending up on the floor while firmly gripping each other’s waistbands. However, the officials’ ruling determined that both wrestlers fell on the mat simultaneously, resulting in neither being declared the winner of the bout.

The subsequent bout had to begin with both wrestlers touching their toes. As the three-minute time limit expired without a clear winner, referee Keneingulie Nagi initiated the toe-to-toe-touching exchange.

In the continued bout, Pienyü executed another suplex, swiftly lifting Yiese into the air and swiftly dropping him onto the mat within just 20 seconds of the scuffle, securing his victory.

Displaying a similar level of prowess, Vizakietuo Suohu, standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 97 kilogrammes, secured victory over Vaphizo Rutsa, also standing at 5 feet 11 inches but weighing 123 kilogrammes. Suohu secured the win after executing two takedowns on Rutsa.

Kezhalelie Keretsü, the chief judge of the event, fastened the championship belt around Pienyü’s waist. He was awarded a cash prize of INR 100,000.

Keduo-o Zumu, president of the Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO) and the guest of honour at the event, presented the second prize of INR 80,000 to the runner-up, Yiese. He awarded INR 60,000 to Suohu, the third-place holder, and INR 40,000 to Rutsa, who secured the fourth position.

All four represented Group A (Kohima village), which was adjudged the group champion. The quarter-finalists were Neizosetuo Kire, Khrielabeituo Semou, Keviser Dzüvichü, and Mharavizo Kesiezie.

Zakietuolie Khrodi, the convenor of the organising committee, announced that in addition to the winners and quarterfinalists, Vizovolie Rame, Kezhavizo Thevo, Medosatuo Paünuo, Ruopfüvizo Talie, Khriezovor Yano, Kekhriesizo Merhieso, and Kekhriesilie Metha would represent NASA at the upcoming Angami Sports Association wrestling meet scheduled for the following month.

Earlier, Vibeilietuo Kets, special assistant to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, who attended the event as a special guest, urged various associations to use government programmes and schemes to help individuals.

Recognising the immense popularity of Naga-style wrestling among fans, Kets encouraged wrestlers to demonstrate sportsmanship and work to further promote the sport.

A total of 60 wrestlers, consisting of 15 participants from each of the four divisions of NASA, competed for the coveted title.

These divisions were: Group A (Kohima village), Group B (comprising Chedema, Dehoma, Rüsoma, and Kijümetouma villages), Group C (comprising Chüziema, Meriema, Tsiesema, Tsiesema Basa, Zhadima, Viphoma, Ziezou, Nerhema, Nerhe Model, Nerhe Phezha, Phekerkrie and Phekerkrie Basa villages), and Group D (comprising Chiechama, Teichüma, Tuophema, Botsa, Tsiemekhuma, Tsiemekhuma Basa, Gariphema, Gariphema Basa, Nachama, Seiyhama, Seiyha Phesa, and Tuophe Phezou villages).

Also read: Seyiejalie Gwirie is champion of Western Angami Youth Organisation’s wrestling meet