The 15th NWA Open Naga Wrestling Championship created records on 28th March 2025 as Venuzo Dawhuo became the first wrestler to win the prestigious title for the third consecutive time and also for including women’s categories for the first time.
Dawhuo, who hails from Thenyizu Village under Phek district, felled Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü from Kohima Village in the final bout at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground). He had earlier won the title in 2021 and 2023. Dawhuo walked away with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh while Pienyü bagged a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
The two semi finalists were Rukukhoto Khusoh and Kezhavizo Thevo who both received Rs 50,000 each.
In the men under 90 kg category, Sasüyi Nyekha, 22, from Suthozu Nawe village under Phek district emerged as the winner after taking down Kevizhakho Suokhrie from Jotsoma village in the final bout. Nyekha walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while Suokhrie bagged Rs 50,000
In the men under 75 category, Muleciyi Vadeo, 20, from Runguzu village under Phek district emerged as the winner after beating Seyiejalie Gwirie from Jotsoma village under Kohima district. Vadeo walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while Gwirie pocketed Rs 50,000.
In the women above 60 kg category, Khrielhounuo Thevo, 18, from Seiyhama village emerged as the winner of the first NWA Women ‘Open’ Naga Wrestling Championship after she took down Lütholü Vezhü, 14, from Upper Khomi village in the final bout.
Thevo walked with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while Vezhü bagged Rs 25,000.
In the women under 60 kg category, Vizoseno Kiso, 20, from Sakhabama village emerged as the champion. Kiso took down Külüngolü Nakhro, 14, from Thenyizu village to secure the title. Kiso walked away with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while Nakhro bagged Rs 25,000.
Earlier, Special Guest of the inaugural programme and Minister for PHE & Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, acknowledged NWA for its role in expanding the horizons of Naga wrestling and urged Tenyimia wrestlers and leaders, to take responsibility in guiding the other tribes who were yet to catch up with the sport.
The Minister assured that the Nagaland government is providing sufficient funds to support the sport while also stressing the need to catch up in terms of financial investment in wrestling sport.
An honor to address the 15th edition of the Naga Wrestling Association (NWA) Open Naga Wrestling Championship, at Kohima. The NWA has been tirelessly promoting this indigenous Naga sport among all tribes as a result of which 10 tribes have already established their respective… pic.twitter.com/HpOMo6leNb
— Jacob Zhimomi (@jacob_zhimomi) March 28, 2025
The programme was chaired by Publicity Secretary, NWA, Seyielhouvi Nagi while NWA flag was hoisted by its advisor, Dr Hiabe Zeliang. Invocation was pronounced by Pastor, Zeme Baptist Church Kohima, Rev Iringtie Kauring while the oath was administered by technical secretary, NWA, Vekhriyi Chüzho. President’s address was delivered by Vivolie Kezo while a special number was presented by Mengu Suokhrie.
Later in the afternoon, the honoured guest for the closing programme was N Toshi Chang, President, Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Kohima, while vote of thanks was proposed by Vice President (admin) NWA, Mitwatei Haibwang. The de-hoisting of the flag was done by Executive Member, WFI, Neivikuolie Khatsü.
