Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, MARCH 10
Thirty years old Vechita Khesoh of Yoruba village under Phek district today emerged as the new champion of the coveted Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Tournament here at Local Ground (Khuochiezie), Kohima.
Standing 6’2’’ tall and weighing 120kg, Vechita, who is also the champion of Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), not only proved that he is the biggest and the brawniest of all the 60 wrestlers at the NWA tournament but has also displayed an agile prowess at the sport with his almost impeccable defence against younger, lighter, fitter, stealthy and strong contenders.
Vechita beat Zeliang wrestling champion Nlumrai Hegwang and Angami wrestler Sabi Gwirie in the earlier stages of the competition in close shaves to proceed to the pre-quarters where he defeated Visietso Krose of Angami Wrestling Association (ASA). He had to face his own tribesman, Vetazo Veswüh, a young and skilled wrestler in his own rights, in the quarter finals but he (Vechita) emerged the better fighter and sailed into the semi-finals to beat ASA wrestler Keduovilie Zumu of Touphema village in two straight bouts.
In the final play-off, the brawny wrestler faced another fellow CWA strongman, Vekuzo Vezhü, a strong contender who was also the second position winner in the previous NWA Tournament in 2014. Vekuzo, a 30-year old hailing from Khomi village gave Vechita a tough battle in the finals but the latter came back stronger and won two out of three bouts they played to clinch the title of the NWA’s historic 25th tournament.
“I am most grateful to the Almighty God and to my family and villagers for their unflinching support… And to all those who stood by me,” said an exhilarated Vechita.
Talking to Eastern Mirror after his win, the new Naga wrestling champion admitted that it had been a tough competition all the way through and he had to focus intensely. Stating that winning the NWA title was the ultimate dream of every wrestler, he said he aimed for the top, reached for it and came through. “It was a very tough competition but my goal came through. I feel grateful and I feel good,” he said.
Besides wrestling, Vechita does contract and supply works and currently lives in Kohima. By winning the NWA Naga Style Wrestling championship, he walked away with a cash prize of Rs.5,00,000 sponsored by the NWA and was also decorated with the late Velahu Puro Memorial Trophy along with cash award of Rs.30,000.
Vekuzo Vezhü (CWA) who came second, was awarded Rs.3,00,000 sponsored by Pele Khezhie, NCSU president, while the third position holder Sürhoneyi Soho (CWA) received Rs.2,00,000 cash award sponsored by the NWA, and the fourth position holder, Keduovilie Zumu (ASA) was awarded a sum of Rs.1,00,000 sponsored by Neikhrolo Lasuh GB Netaji Colony Dimapur.
The pre-quarter finalists and quarter finalists were also awarded a sum of Rs.10,000 each and Rs.15,000 each respectively. The losing quarter finalists were Venüzo Dawhuo (CWA), Vevohü Swüro (CWA), Mhasilhousie Nagi (ASA) and Vetazo Veswüh; while the wrestlers who lost in the pre-quarters were former NWA champion (2010) Megosier Khate (ASA), Visietso Krose (ASA), Rovilhoulie Pier (ASA), Kuluveto Venuh (CWA), Vizobeilie Punyü (ASA), Visevo Zashumo (ASA), Vekutho Soho (CWA) and Zasevikho Meyatsu.
CM calls for popularizing Naga wrestling
Chief Minister TR Zeliang who graced the inaugural function of the event as the chief guest this morning said Naga Wrestling is one of the most popular Naga traditional sports, especially amongst the Tenyimia community. He observed that the sport is an interesting one that demands a good combination of both strength and skill and is reputed as a healthy form of sport with “relatively less rate of injuries”.
He maintained that Naga Wrestling is more interesting to watch than the free style wrestling which is accepted as an Olympic game. The actions and engagement in the former are fairer and straightforward, with less room for unfair tactics, he observes, and underscored that this traditional Naga sport must be popularized.
While extending his greetings to the Naga Wrestling Association on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Naga Wrestling Tournament, Zeliang also wished them the best in their endeavours towards making the Naga wrestling a popular and enduring sport. He also donated a sum of Rs.15,00,000 to the NWA on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister unveiled the NWA anniversary monolith at Phezhu (Jotsoma), which was erected in commemoration of 50 years of the first ever well-ordered wrestling competition which was recorded to have been held at Phezhu in 1966. The dedicatory prayer for the monolith was pronounced by Calvary Baptist Church Phezhu pastor, Rev. Kelhousetuo Nagi.
Meanwhile, at the Local Ground Kohima, former NWA president Keku Zeliang released the NWA anniversary souvenir while young children from the three NWA constituent units presented a wrestling demonstration. NWA president Neikhrolo Khalo, in his address, paid rich tributes to the visionary pioneers of the organization for their efforts to uphold the traditional sport. He also summarized briefly the history of the NWA and its tournaments.
NWA joint secretary Mosonyi Domeh administered the oath to the wrestlers before the tournament began.
On Friday, the 11th Senior & 3rd Sub-Junior Free-Style Wrestling (both male and female) will be played and the closing ceremony of the tournament is scheduled to be held later in the day at 3 pm with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Khriehu Liezietsu as the guest of honour.
