Venü Vadeo successfully defended his title at the 31st Chozuba Range Wrestling Association meet held at Chozuba Town in Phek district.
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CHOZUBA — Nineteen-year-old Venü Vadeo on Wednesday defended his champion title at the 31st Wrestling Meet of the Chozuba Range Wrestling Association (CRWA), held at the Local Ground, Chozuba Town, under Phek district.
Vadeo, who had also won the CRWA Wrestling Meet in 2024, defeated his elder brother Mülecüyi Vadeo in two straight bouts in the final. Hailing from Runguzu village, he received INR 1.15 lakh as prize money.
Mülecüyi Vadeo, 22, was placed second and received a cash prize of INR 80,000.
The third position holder was 22-year-old Mülüsü Veswüh from Suthozu Nawe, who was awarded INR 60,000 as prize money.
The fourth position holder was 23-year-old Sasuyi Nyekha, also from Suthozu Nawe, who received INR 40,000 as prize money.
In the Under-15 category, 14-year-old Mütüve Dozo from Thuvopisu village, won first position.
Another Thuvopisu wrestler, 13-year-old Müdoto Dozo, secured second position.
The third position was won by 13-year-old Sürhoto Vadeo from Chozuba Town.
The fourth position holder was 14-year-old Muyoto Nienu from Phugi village.
The winners in the Under-15 category were also awarded cash prizes.
Earlier in the morning, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu graced the opening ceremony as special guest and urged the players to pursue viable sports disciplines, stating that sports is a huge and promising industry.
Guest of honour Sanuzo Nienu, Director, Department of Agriculture, said wrestling is a traditional game passed down to the present generation and added that it was inspiring to see many youngsters keeping up the tradition. He said wrestling is a popular game among the Tenyimi community and provides a platform for youth to bring laurels to their villages and the state.
Sevonyi Keyho, president of CRWA, in his presidential address, called upon the players to pursue sports and education hand in hand.
The programme was led by Khokuto Sapu, vice-president of CRWA, while the prayer was offered by Rev. Pukrolhu Lohe, pastor of Yoruba Baptist Church. A folk song was presented by Phükhwü and Yokhwüyi.