March 8, Kohima: In wrestling, 27-year-old Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü successfully defended his champion title at the 30th Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship-cum-1st Wrestling Festival held at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local Ground on Saturday.
Representing the Angami Sports Association, Mr. Pienyü defeated Menuosetuo Yiese in two consecutive bouts in the final.
The defending champion (2024 edition), Mr. Pienyü, hails from Kohima Village and is the son of Lt. Thepfusanyu Pienyü. He stands 6.3 feet tall and weighs 135 kg.
The champion received a special award - a plot of land measuring 10,000 sq ft in Chümoukedima, awarded by Tepuleho Pusa - besides a cash prize of INR 6 lakh.
The second position holder, 28-year-old Yiese, son of Lt. Khrielatuo Yiese, also hails from Kohima Village. Representing ASA, he stands 6 feet tall and weighs 130 kg. He received a cash prize of INR 3 lakh.
Twenty-nine-year-old Venuzo Dawhuo secured the third position after losing to the eventual champion Pienyü in the first semi-final match.
Dawhuo, who weighs 100 kg and stands 5.10 feet tall, is the son of Nezohu Dawhuo from Thenyizu Village, Phek district, and represented the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA). He walked home richer with a cash prize of INR 2 lakh.
The fourth position was won by 19-year-old Venü Vadeo, representing the CWA. The son of Zaseta Vadeo, he hails from Runguzu Village, weighs 106 kg and stands 5.11 feet tall. He walked home with prize money of INR 1.5 lakh.
The Chakhesang Wrestling Association won the Group Champion title for the highest point scored and was awarded INR 60,000.
