Atuo Tevo defends title at the 62nd SASA Wrestling Meet

KIGWEMA — Atuo Tevo of Kidima village, standing 5.10 and weighing 99 kg, defended his title and won the 62nd Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) Wrestling Meet held on Thursday at the Kimipfüphe Ground in Kigwema village.

Tevo scored two takedowns against Kekhrie Yhoshü, a former SASA champion from Kigwema who stands 5’11″ and weighs 100 kg, in the intense finale.

With only 15 seconds remaining in the first three-minute bout, Tevo capitalised on the opportunity and skillfully twisted Yhoshü to the ground.

After the allotted time in the second bout had passed without much progress, Tevo persisted in toppling Yhoshü down with a clinch, adhering to the touch-toe-to-toe rule, which ultimately secured him the coveted title.

Ruokuovituo Lese of Mima village won third place by defeating Kevidel Mekro from Viswema village. Lese secured third place by executing two takedowns on Mekro during the match.

The quarterfinalists comprised Kekheneito Kere, Neilaseto Zashümo, Neithongulie Kuotsu, and Neinguzo Bei-o.

The winner received INR 80,000, the runner-up INR 60,000, the third-place finisher INR 40,000, and fourth position holder received INR 30,000, with each quarterfinalist receiving INR 5,000.

Inaugurating the event, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA, highlighted the government’s policies aimed at promoting sports and emphasised the significance of belt wrestling for the Nagas and its potential for furthering athletic endeavours. In addition to traditional Naga wrestling, he underscored the importance of promoting shooting sports, badminton, and tennis.

Rokovizo Meze, president of SASA, likening wrestling to a festival, urged the 40 participating wrestlers from Kigwema Youth Organisation, Kidima Youth Organisation, Jakhama Youth Organisation, Phesama Youth Organisation, Mima Youth Organisation, Kezo Town Youth Organisation, and Viswema Youth Organisation to demonstrate sportsmanship.

It was informed that SASA would be represented by a total of 15 wrestlers in the upcoming Angami Sports Association Wrestling Meet, scheduled for the following month.

The 3rd edition of the Dzükou Cup, held in conjunction with the SASA sports meet, is set to commence at 9 am on Friday simultaneously at Kimipfüphe Ground and Jakhama Local Ground.

During the two-day event, ten teams will compete in the men’s football tournament, twelve teams will participate in men’s volleyball, and eight teams will compete in women’s volleyball.

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