Khawakhrie wins bronze at Belt Wrestling Grand Prix

KOHIMA — Nagaland wrestler Rokuo Kehie Khawakhrie won the lone medal for team India at the International Belt Wrestling Grand Prix on April 29.

Khawakhrie competed in the 70 kg category and managed to secure a bronze medal for the country at the championship held from April 27 to 30th in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

A celebrated wrestler from Nagaland, Venuzo Dawhuo, who advanced to the second round, had to exit as he got injured in the quarters, while current NWA champion Kezhazeluo Pienyü also lost. Other wrestlers who also participated in the event could not secure any medals.

Five of the seven wrestlers on the Indian team were from Nagaland, including a female wrestler.

The team was led by All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation President and Asian Alysh Federation member Omarmukhtar Tamboli and Adviser to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha, who was also the chief guest at the grand prix.

Giving an update on the team’s participation, Metha said the rest of the Indian team also performed admirably; unfortunately, Venuzo Dawho could not play his bronze medal match due to an injury.

"It was an excellent learning experience for the contingent and this is only the beginning of an exciting journey ahead," he added.

CM Rio congratulates Khawakhrie

Meanwhile, taking to X, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated the Naga wrestler on his achievement.

"Your achievement will inspire not only the young people from the state but also the nation,"  Rio wrote, while wishing him more success in the days to come.