In a historic display of strength, tradition and cultural pride, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü of the Angami tribe emerged as the champion of the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026, held at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground). The two-day event also marked the debut of the 1st NWA Wrestling Festival, organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) with support from the Nagaland Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The championship concluded with intense competition among 54 elite wrestlers representing the Angami Sports Association (ASA), Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), and Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA). Pienyü clinched the coveted title and championship belt, defeating strong contenders to secure the top honour. For the first time in the history of the tournament, the champion was awarded a record prize of ₹6 lakh along with a 100 ft × 100 ft plot of land at Chümoukedima.
In the senior category, Vemele Thingo (CWA) finished as runner-up, receiving ₹3 lakh, while Venuzo Dawhuo (CWA) secured the third position with ₹2 lakh, and Rukukhoto Khesoh (CWA) placed fourth, winning ₹1.5 lakh. The Chakhesang Wrestling Association also emerged as the Group Champion, dominating the senior category with three of the top four positions.
The final day of the championship was graced by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, Rio described Naga traditional wrestling as a “celebration of identity, heritage and the indomitable spirit of the Naga people.” He termed the sport a living heritage passed down from forefathers and emphasised that wrestling represents not just physical strength but also character and integrity.
Commending the Nagaland Wrestling Association for preserving and promoting the indigenous sport, Rio urged wrestlers to act as ambassadors of Naga culture and to continue striving for excellence. He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and supporting indigenous games alongside modern sporting disciplines.
During the event, Rio distributed financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Sports Fund to six provisional wrestling units—Rengma, Sumi, Lotha, Pochury, Chang, and Sangtam Wrestling Associations—to encourage wider participation and development of the sport.
Earlier, the first day of the festival featured historic milestones with the introduction of the Provisional Championship and Under-15 Championship, aimed at expanding the sport beyond its traditional strongholds.
In the Provisional Championship, Pukiye G. Shohe (Sumi) became the first-ever champion after defeating Yankithung C. Shitiri (Lotha) in the final, winning ₹2 lakh. Lumthsa L. Sangtam secured third place, followed by Jochuhyu Semy (Rengma) in fourth. The Sumi Wrestling Association was adjudged the Best Team in the provisional category.
The Under-15 Championship, showcasing the next generation of Naga wrestlers, saw Menuokhriezo Metha (Angami) clinch the title and ₹1 lakh, while Mudoto Dozo (Chakhesang) finished as runner-up. Kütho Puro and Chüre Pohena, both from Chakhesang, secured the third and fourth positions respectively.
The festival was inaugurated by Nagaland Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, who emphasised that the promotion of traditional wrestling is a collective responsibility of the Naga youth and highlighted its potential to strengthen cultural identity and tourism.
Also present at the event was Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Kumar Singh, who described it as an honour to witness the championship reach its 30th edition, calling it a significant milestone in promoting traditional wrestling. He also announced financial assistance for procuring equipment to further strengthen the sport and assured that proposals for its development would be considered in the next financial year.
The 2026 edition of the championship set a new benchmark for traditional sports in the region, featuring the highest ticket rates in the event’s history and a global live telecast through the Ahibi platform, further expanding the reach of Naga traditional wrestling to audiences worldwide.
