Vethozo Lohe on Friday emerged as the champion in the senior category of the 29th Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) Wrestling Meet 2026, held at Phek town.
Son of Razouvezo Lohe from Khutsokhuno village, he pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1.10 lakh, sponsored by Rukuyi Khamo and family.
Nubasa Rhakho, son of Vechineyi Rhakho from Phek village, secured second place and received Rs. 70,000. The prize was jointly sponsored by Velhupra Rhakho, BDO Sekruzu Block, and Er. Shekhoto Theluo, JE, Urban Development Office, Phek.
Kiiluvezo Soho, son of Veniechi Soho from Phek village, stood third and was awarded Rs. 50,000, jointly sponsored by Vikholie Nienu, Inspector DEF Kohima, and Puzhohu Khesoh, PA to Advisors NRE and NSDMA, Nagaland.
Miitiitso Nienu, son of Shesiiyi Nienu of Khomi, bagged fourth position and received Rs. 40,000. The prize was jointly sponsored by Lavoto Chizo, President NPF 19th Phek A/C, and Khosheta Rhakho, Secretary COB NPF.
Quarter-finalists Basayi Keyho (Phek village), Sao Vezhu (Khomi), Kusayi Tsiitso (Khomi), and Johi Rhakho (Phek) received Rs. 5,000 each, sponsored by Megosier Khate, former NWA champion.
In the first Under-15 category, Zuveo Keyho, son of Shemutu Keyho from Phek village, emerged champion and received Rs. 30,000, sponsored by SBI Phek Branch.
Muzivo Veswu, son of Khrietsolie Veswu from Khuza, secured second place and pocketed Rs. 20,000, sponsored by Vezhosayi Vero, ABI, 6th NAP Battalion attached to PHQ Kohima.
Bizo Chizo, son of Zaveshiyi Chizo from Phek village, stood third and received Rs. 15,000, sponsored by NSCB Ltd, Phek Branch.
Fourth place holder Menuhi Mekrisuh, son of Kewehite Mekrisuh from Losami, received Rs. 10,000, sponsored by entrepreneur Wetezo Lohe.
Earlier, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu graced the inaugural programme as the special guest, while Col Iqbaljeet Singh Dhillon, Commandant, 39th Assam Rifles, Phek, was the guest of honour.
PAWA president Chikhozo Chizo delivered the presidential address, and the programme was chaired by PAWA finance secretary Er. Shekhotso Keyho. PAWA technical secretary Surhoneyi Soho administered the oath to 38 senior wrestlers and 13 Under-15 wrestlers.
The closing function was led by Vekusayi Veswu, PAWA representative to the Chakhesang Wrestling Association. Former NWA champion Hukhoneyi Soho officiated as chief referee, assisted by Surhoneyi Soho, Kuzhoniecho Keyho, Verayi Tenenu, Shezopa Dzudo, Kuhi Mekrisuh, Vechizo Khamo, Sherayi Tetseo, Veta Soho, and Shevota Rhakho.
The meet was managed by Khutsokhuno Baptist Church in aid of the construction of a new church building.
