Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 6
Western Angami wrestler Zasevikho Meyatsu from Mezoma village emerged as the champion of the 1st ever open Naga wrestling organized by the Angami Sports Association (ASA) at Kohima Local Ground today.
28 year old Zasevikho, also a former champ of the Hornbill festival wrestling championship, bagged the ultimate title after defeating veteran Northern Angami wrestler Zasituo Tsükrü of Dihoma village in the final. Though knocked down in the first bout, Zasevikho came back strong in the second bout as well as the final decisive bout to emerge as the champ.
Standing at 5.9 and 84 kg in weight, the new ASA wrestling champ Zasivikho is the son of Methalhouvi Meyatsu. The runner-up Zasituo Tsükrü, standing at 5.8 and 95 kg in weight is the son of Vivolhoulie Tsükrü. Zasituo, who is also a former champ of NASA wrestling, at 37 years is the senior most player of the tournament.
The third and fourth positions were also bagged by Western Angami wrestlers Neivolie Senotsu and Kethosito Rino, both hailing from Jotsoma village.
The wrestling champion walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 (1 lakh), while the runner-up was awarded a prize money of Rs 70,000. The 3rd and 4th position winners were given Rs 40,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. The first prize was sponsored by Er Keneilhoulie Keditsu, Retd Chief Engineer and former president Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) and former president ASA. The second prize was sponsored by Er Kezha Theünuo, SE, PWD National Highway, while the third and fourth prizes were sponsored by Er Toba, Executive Engineer, Tourism department and former president Southern SASA and Dr Keduozetuo Punyü, Sr Specialist Health & Family Welfare department.
The losing quarterfinalists – Seketoukho Nipu (Sechü Zubza village), Visevo Zashümo (Phesama), Kekhriezo Nagi (Sechü Zubza) and Rokoseto Zinyü (Khonoma), were also awarded Rs 5,000 each, being sponsored by Viliehu Nguzhü, District Soil Conservation officer, Longleng and joint secretary NWA and former general secretary ASA.
The wrestlers who also made it to the pre-quarters were Mezhülhoukho Krose (Medziphema), Megovizo Visienyü (Kiruphema), Sabi Gwirie (Jotsoma), Megokhozo Nipu (Sechüma), Vizobeilie Punyü (Khonoma), Thekrusevi Meru (Khonoma), Keduovilie Zumu (Tuophema) and Vilasietuo Talie (Rüsoma).
Altogether, 46 wrestlers from all the four Angami regions took part in the open wrestling meet which was played in league-cum-knock out format.
Meanwhile in athletic events, the men’s individual champion was bagged by Menuokhrielie Solo of Northern Angami Sports Association, while Pepirieno Sirie of Western Angami Sports Association emerged as the women’s individual champion.
