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The top four wrestlers flanked by SASA officials and tournament officials during the wrestling meet held at Jakhama local ground on January 23.[/caption]
Kohima, Jan. 23: Heavyweight wrestler Neivolie Zashümo of Phesama village emerged as the new Southern Angami wrestling champion held today at Jakhama local ground.
On his way to lift the title, the new champ knocked down two-times Southern Angami wrestling champion and his cousin brother Visevo Zashümo, also of Phesama village.
By winning the title the 26 year-old Neivolie, son of Vikerhelie Zashümo, has won the hearts of many wrestling aficionados, as he registered his name in the history of SASA wrestling. He weighs 105 kg and stands at 5 feet and 8 inches.
31 year-old Visevo Zashümo, son of Suolahie Zashümo, was the champion twice at the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) wrestling meet in 2014 and 2016.
The former SASA champion Visevo, who until the final match was considered as the favourite contender to lift the title, had to be contended with the second position today, as he went down in the third and deciding bout.
The new SASA champ fetched a cash award of Rs. 80,000, while the runner-up walked home richer with Rs. 60,000.
Keselvi Mekro of Viswema village and Keneisalie Sale of Kigwema village bagged the third and fourth positions. They both received Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively.
Earlier in the round of last four, Neivolie defeated Keneisalie Sale, while he also pulled down another heavyweight wrestler Swedevil Vitsu of Viswema village in the quarter final.
To the disappoint of the mammoth crowd, another former SASA wrestling champ Kevithusi Kikhi of Viswema village, who won against Viphrezo Mejura in the pre-quarterfinal, failed to play in the quarters due to injury he sustained in the round of last 16.
The losing quarterfinalists - Kevime Vitsu, Swedevil Vitsu, Kevithusi Kikhi all from Viswema village, and Ketholeto Zashümo of Phesama village also received Rs 5,000 each.
Earlier in the day, the inaugural function of the 55th SASA meet was graced by Er.Vikho-o Yhoshü, Member of Legislative Assembly, who is also the chief host of the four-day event scheduled to conclude on January 26.
The programme commenced with invocation pronounced by Rev Zapovil Sophie, pastor, Jakhama Baptist Church, while the SASA presidential address was delivered by Ketoupuzo
Lhoushe. A special number was presented by Diethozo Thakro and SASA Wrestling Secretary Zaprani Mekro administered oath to the players.
The events for athletics and games will begin tomorrow. Apart from Jakhama local ground, football matches will also be held at Viswema and Kimipfuphe ground, while indoor games will be conducted at St. Joseph’s College and Vivori Lounge stadium.
The selected players will represent SASA at the forthcoming Angami Sports Association sports meet scheduled from February 14 to 18 at Kohima local ground.