International wrestler Kadyr Kelsinbekov of Kyrgyzstan emerged victorious in the final match of the 16th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship, held at the Chiechama Amphitheatre on Monday evening. In a historic moment for Nagaland’s wrestling history, Kelsinbekov, a ten-time champion from Kyrgyzstan in Belt wrestling, secured the championship title, a feat unprecedented in Nagaland’s wrestling history.
He clinched victory by winning two straight sets in the final bout against Chakhesang wrestler Huluyi D Vadeo. Weighing 100 kg and standing at 5.8 feet tall, the 33-year-old Kelsinbekov hails from Kyrgyzstan. As the new champion, he was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1,20,000, while the runner-up, Vadeo, received Rs. 80,000.
In the semifinals, two-time defending champion Kezhaseluo Pienyu lost to the eventual champion. Pienyu claimed the third-place spot and received a prize of Rs. 40,000, while Venu Vadeo secured fourth place, earning Rs. 20,000.
The championship featured 40 wrestlers, including participants from the Sumi and Ao tribes, Senapati district, and Kyrgyzstan. Organized by the Nagaland Wrestling Association, the event was part of the Hornbill Festival. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, and the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, graced the occasion as the chief guest and host, respectively.