Hüluyi D Vadeo emerged as the champion of the 30th Wrestling Championship of the Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA), held on January 17 at Razeba in Phek district. The son of Lt. Vecüzo D Vadeo from Sakraba, he pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Kuvenu Puro, son of Vehuta Puro from Porba, bagged second position and received a cash prize of Rs. 80,000. Rüvezo D Vadeo, son of Vekhüta D Vadeo from Sakraba, stood third and pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 60,000. Dunve Thuluo, son of Sekho Thuluo from Porba, secured fourth position and received Rs. 40,000.
In the Under-15 category, Kutho Puro, son of Mulusheyi Puro from Porba, emerged champion and was awarded Rs. 30,000. Veshezo Swuro, son of Kuvecusa Swuro from Porba village, stood second and received Rs. 20,000, while Lüdove Nakro, son of Ngobayi Nakro from Pholami, bagged third position and was awarded Rs. 15,000. Chure Pohena, son of Soukho Pohena from Zhavame, finished fourth and received Rs. 10,000.
Earlier, addressing the event as the special guest, Nagaland’s Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister K.G. Kenye said that Naga wrestling has become a major sporting event in Nagaland. He noted that the sport is currently played mostly by three tribes, Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang, and stressed the need to introduce it to other tribes within and beyond the state.
Kenye said policymakers would be in a better position to support and promote the indigenous sport when it is played by all Naga tribes. Touching on belt wrestling, he lauded Naga wrestlers for bringing laurels to the state at national and international levels and gaining global recognition over the years. He also commended the various wrestling associations and the community’s collective efforts in preserving the ancestral sport.
Earlier, the inaugural session was chaired by SWA vice president Züpelhi Resüh, while the welcome address was delivered by SWA president Shepo Dzüdo. Zhiewezü Thele, Treasury Officer, Dimapur, graced the prize distribution ceremony as the guest of honour.