JAPANESE WRESTLER Hideki JOINS NAGA WRESTLING

Naga wrestling, which is originally a popular indigenous game of the Tenyimi Naga, today got a major boost with the participation an Ao, a Lotha and also a Japanese wrestler at the Hornbill Naga Wrestling competition, organized as part of the ongoing Hornbill festival at Kisama here.

The Japanese wrestler Hideki Yamakuchü not only enthralled the crowed but also enlivened the indigenous game with his spirit of sportsmanship, though a novice to the game.

The visiting wrestler surprised the crowed when he defeated the Northern Angami Wrestling Champion Khrievotuo Sekhose in the first round and qualify to the second round. He was however defeated by Azhopo Chüzho from Phek district through the decision of the three member jury.

Meanwhile, Zasevikho Meyatsu representing Kohima district won the championship by defeating Mezulhuokho Krose also representing Kohima district at the final match while Kedizing from Peren district got a walk over and was adjudged the third place following injury to Azhopo Chüzho who has to be contended with the fourth place.

The winner walked away with cash prizes of Rs. 30000, Rs.20000, Rs, 10000 and Rs.5000 respectively along with certificates.

Altogether, 32 wrestler including nine Chakhesangs, ten each from Angami and Zeliangrong tribes and one each from Ao, Lotha and a Japanese participated in the first ever edition of the Hornbill Naga Wrestling championship organized by the Department Youth Resources and Sports this year.

In hornbill archery competition, which was also held at Kisama here today, Vichisic from Pochury tribe bagged the championship by scoring 133 points while Kekhriezeto from Angami tribe with 127 points and Zavikho from Chakhesang tribe with 118 points were adjudged second and third places respectively. The winners walked away with cash prizes of Rs.10000, Rs.7000 and Rs.5000 respectively.