The second day of Vuto Hyundai presents NagaWrestleMania-9 (King Of The Ring Series 2022) organised by 3E Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) was held at Hockey Ground IG Stadium Complex Kohima.

Shri Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The 1st bout of the final match between Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü and Menuosetuo Yiese began evenly.

Menuosetuo made the first move but was effectively countered by his opponent. Then it was Kezhaseluo-o’s turn to make a daring move but Menuosietuo evaded it. During the process, Menuosetuo, who had picked-up toe-injury during the marathon semi-final match aggravated the injury and had to seek medical attention.

The 1st bout restarted in aggressive fashion and Kezhaseluo-o downed his opponent. Menuosetuo had an awkward fall and needed another medical attention, but was not fit enough to continue and retired hurt.

Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü became the NagaWrestleMania Heavyweight champion and won a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and the Heavy Champion’s belt.

Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü – NagaWrestleMania Heavyweight Champion 2022.

In the match for 3rd place, Atuo Tevo started the 1st bout cautiously before making a strong attempt to lift and drag Dzieselatuo Keretsü but was not able to put him down. Dzieselatuo, in spite of his superior height and weight advantage, was defensive in play.

During the course of the bout, Dzieselatuo signalled an injury to his fingers and forearms and then retired hurt, thus making Atuo Tevo claim the 3rd position.

In the first semi-final, Dzieselatuo Keretsü and Menuosetuo Yiese, both of Kohima, had a marathon match. Menuosetuo was aggressive from the very beginning while Dzieselatuo adopted an overtly defence posture with his legs firmly behind. In regulation time of two minutes, Menuosetuo could not put down Dzieselatuo despite many attempts. Thereafter, the referee signalled for action on toe-to-toe position.

Dzieselatuo continued with his defensive strategy in an attempt to tire his opponent and take advantage of his weight and stamina at a later time, even receiving two fouls but he eventually won the 1st Round.

The 2nd Round started in similar fashion with Menuosetuo being the aggressor. Due to extreme defensive play by Dzieselatuo, toe-to-toe format. Dzieselatuo was fouled again for defensive play. Menuosetuo could finally down Dzieselatuo but in the process injured his toe and had to seek medical attention.

In the 3rd Round, an injured Menuosetuo continued his attempts to apply wrestling tricks, while Dzieselatuo continued his usual defensive posture despite his opponent being injured and visibly tired. The referee signalled toe-to-toe format yet again.

The match was in a dead-lock for so long that the main referee had to come to the ring to assist the match referee in finding the slightest technicalities to break the deadlock.

After repeated attempts, Menuosetuo ultimately downed his opponent.

The match crossed the hour marked in the process, making it the longest Naga Wrestling match in recorded history. The match lasted 1 hr 45 mins.

Other Heavyweight Wrestlers who were in action on Day-2 included:

Medosatuo Paünuo, Mezivil Kiso, Keneisetuo Kire, Neizosetuo Kire, Dziesevolie Rutsa, Sukhure Domeh, Kezhavizo Tevo and Vaphizo Rutsa.