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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 7 (EMN): Vishekhoto Khieya, a 20-year-old, was crowned the champion of the 59th Jakhama wrestling meet (open category) after defeating Sweyiekul Khatso, 25-year-old wrestler in the final at Jakhama on Friday.
Playing an intense final match at Jakhama local ground, Khieya, who is also a BA Economics student of St. Joseph's College (Autonomous) Jakhama, took down Khatso twice in both bouts.
Khieya received INR 20,000 while Khatso received INR 15,000 as the runner-up. Lorheshüto Sophie stood third and received INR 12,000, while Metevito Zao, who won fourth position, received INR 8,000 respectively.
In the under-16 category, 14-year-old Nokehieto Khatso grappled down Thejavi Khazo twice with a point deficit to emerge as the champion.
Khatso received INR 10,000 as the winner while Khazo recieved INR 8,000 as the runner-up.
Visakul Thao and Kevizeto Kirha as the other runners-up received INR 6,000 and INR 4,000 respectively.
Earlier, exhorting the wrestlers, Khüpi Natso, member of Nagaland State Quality Control, reminded the young participants how one can make a profession out of the traditional wrestling unlike the olden days.
Recalling that wrestlers produced from Jakhama were not 'only heroes of the village but toppers and champions of Naga wrestling competitions, he stated “that they have lived their past glories” and urged the wrestlers to stop basking in the past glories and bring back accolades.
Unlike the bygone days where only those heavily built wrestlers dominated the sport, of late, he viewed that wrestling is being played with more “tricks and brain” where other wrestlers can become successful too.
Interacting with Eastern Mirror after the competition, Aja Khieya, representative of Kohima town to Jakhama Youth Organisation (JYO), informed that the 59th Jakhama Wrestling Meet and 61st JYO Sports Meet were some of the major activities conducted by the JYO so far.