Twenty-nine-year-old Venuzo Dawhuo emerged champion of the 30th Wrestling Championship 2026 of the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), held on February 7 at Pfutsero in Phek district.
Son of Nezohu Vadeo from Thenyizu village, Dawhuo downed Hiiliiyi D Vadeo in the final to emerge champion.
Representing the Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA), Dawhuo, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 100 kg, reached the final after defeating Venu Vadeo in the semi-final. He overpowered Besuhveto Cumu of Phusachodu village, CAWA, in the quarter-final.
With this victory, he clinched the CWA championship for the fifth consecutive time and pocketed a cash prize of Rs 2.50 lakh.
Twenty-three-year-old Hiiliiyi D Vadeo, son of late Veciizo D Vadeo of Sakraba village, secured second position and received Rs 1.70 lakh. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 105 kg, Hiiliiyi, representing the Secheku Wrestling Association (SWA), defeated Mulusu Veswuh in the semi-final and overcame Kuliivezo Soho of Phek village, Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA), in the quarter-final.
Nineteen-year-old Venu Vadeo, son of Zaseta Vadeo of Runguzu village, bagged third position and received Rs 1.30 lakh. Representing the Chozuba Range Wrestling Association (CRWA), he defeated Thupitha Hesiih of Porba village, SWA, in the semi-final.
Mulusii Veswuh, son of Zacipoyi Veswuh of Suthozu Nawe, finished fourth and received Rs 1 lakh. The 22-year-old, representing CRWA, defeated Nubasa Rhakho of Phek village, PAWA, in the quarter-final.
In the under-15 category, Kiitho Puro, son of Miiliisheyi Puro from Porba village, SWA, emerged champion and received Rs 50,000. Zuve-o Keyho of Phek village, PAWA, stood second and received Rs 30,000, while Mutuve Dozo of Thiivopisu village, CRWA, finished third and received Rs 15,000. Fourth-place finisher Bizo Chizo of Phek village, PAWA, received Rs 10,000. Losing quarter-finalists in the under-15 category received Rs 5,000 each.
The Chozuba Range Wrestling Association emerged group champion and received Rs 20,000, while the Phek Area Wrestling Association was adjudged the best disciplined team and received Rs 10,000.
James PK Sangma, National Working President of the National People’s Party, graced the event as special guest. Several dignitaries, including MLAs Kuzholuzo Nienu and Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, were present. The meet was managed by the Porbami Wrestling Association.
