Our Correspondent
KIRUPHEMA, JANUARY 14
Upcoming wrestler Petekuolie Nipu of Sechü Zubza village emerged as the champion of the 43rdWestern Angami ‘D’ Group Sports Association (WADSA) wrestling meet held at Kiruphema Bawe Ground from January 13 to 14.
19 year old Petekuolie downed his elder brother and prominent wrestler Seketoukho Nipu (26 years) in the final to lift the title. The siblings are the sons of veteran wrestler Rokomekho Nipu, who was a former Western Angami wrestling champ and who also bagged the third position twice at the Angami Sports Association (ASA) wrestling meet in the past.
Mention be made that the siblings both took part at the WADSA meet after securing the first position and the 1st runner-up at the Sechü Zubza wrestling meet held in December 2015. However, at Sechü Zubza, it was the elder brother Seketoukho who lifted the title.
The third and fourth positions were bagged by Neitsilie Zhünyü (21 years), son of Krungulie Zhünyü and Pelesetuo Rhatsu (20 years), son of Lt. Caneituo Rhatsu, both from Sechüma village.
The champion walked home richer with Rs. 20,000, while the second, third and fourth position winners received Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,000 respectively.The first prize was sponsored by Rüüngutuo Sechü, finance secretary, Naga Hoho-cum-proprietor Christian Mission School, Sechü Zubza, while the second prize was sponsored by Theyievilie Suohumvü, Deputy Mission Director, SMA-SSA, Government of Nagaland.
The third and fourth prizes were sponsored by Vitsalhou Kesiezie, chairman, Mengujuma Village Council, and Apelhou Kruse of Thekrejuma village.
Meanwhile, Sechü Zubza village also emerged as the group point winners in Naga wrestling championship.
The two-day wrestling championship also featured junior category wrestling and free style wrestling.
In the junior category, Khriesamhalie Nagi of Sechü Zubza lifted the title, while Mhasivilie Vielie of Kiruphema village bagged the 1st runner-up. The third and fourth positions were bagged by Kekhrieneizo Suohumvü of Kiruphema village and Thepfüsahu Kuotsu of Mengujuma village respectively.
The prizes for junior category wrestling was sponsored by Rüüngutuo Kruse, chairman, Thekrejuma Village Council, while Pelevisie Rhatsu, chairman, Sechüma Village Council, sponsored the prizes for free style wrestling.
The inaugural function on day-one was graced by Rovilatuo Mor, deputy commissioner, Kohima, as the chief guest. In his address, he encouraged the sportspersons to partake in games and sports activivities with total commitment and dedication.
He also urged the sportspersons to take part with all seriousness so as to excel and make a livelihood out of it.
The closing function on day-two was graced by Satuo Sechü, president Western Angami ‘D’ Group Organisation (WADGO) as the guest of honour.
The other selected wrestlers are Kekhriezo Nagi, Kedizelhou Zhünyü, Neisakuolie Nipu (All from Sechü Zubza), Megovizo Visienyü, Mhasivituo Kruneilie, Keneiselhou Hozoyie, Thejangutuo Vielie (All from kiruphema), Visazotuo Zhünyü, Megovilhou Sechü (Both from Sechüma) Neivilie Sechü (Mengujuma) and Keneingulie Kruse (Thekrejuma).
The selected wrestlers will represent WADSA at the forthcoming Western Angami Sports Association wrestling meet scheduled from January 22 to 23 at Kohima Local Ground.
