Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, described Naga Traditional Wrestling as a celebration of the identity, heritage and indomitable spirit of the Naga people. Gracing the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship-cum-1st Wrestling Festival 2026 as the special guest at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on 7th March 2026, he termed Naga wrestling a living heritage passed down from the forefathers.
Dr. Rio said the sport goes beyond a test of physical strength, representing a test of character and integrity. He added that the occasion had brought people together through culture, sports and a shared identity.
Appreciating the efforts of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), he commended the organisation for preserving and promoting the indigenous sport while safeguarding its traditional essence. He also expressed happiness that the sport has moved beyond the Tenyimi area and spread to other parts of the state. Calling the wrestlers ambassadors of Naga culture, he encouraged them to strive for improvement and push beyond their personal limits. On the occasion of the 30th Championship, he called upon the people to renew their commitment to preserving traditions while embracing progress.
The Chief Minister further underlined that the State Government remains committed to promoting sports infrastructure and supporting indigenous games alongside modern sporting disciplines. He added that the Government will continue creating opportunities for young sportspersons to compete at regional, national and international levels. Dr. Rio also distributed financial assistance of ₹1,00,000 each from the Chief Minister’s Sports Fund to six provisional units—Rengma Wrestling Association, Sumi Wrestling Association, Lotha Wrestling Association, Pochury Wrestling Association, Chang Wrestling Association and Sangtam Wrestling Association. The Chief Minister was accompanied by a host of dignitaries including Deputy Chief Ministers, Y Patton and TR Zeliang, Speaker NLA, Sharingain Longkumer, Advisors, MLAs and other dignitaries.
President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Sanjay Kumar Singh, addressing the gathering as the honoured guest, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the prestigious event. He said it was an honour to witness the championship reach its 30th edition, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of traditional wrestling. Singh also announced financial assistance for the procurement of equipment to support and strengthen the sport. He further assured that proposals related to the development and promotion of wrestling would be approved in the next financial year.
Emphasising the importance of promoting the sport beyond the state, he said efforts would be made to take Naga traditional wrestling to the national stage. He expressed confidence that the state would make its mark not only across the country but also at the international level in the years to come.
In his presidential address, President of NWA, Vivolie Kezo, called on the gathering to support the wrestlers beyond the arena. He informed that a felicitation programme for the top performers would be organised on 9th March. Kezo also thanked the Wrestling Federation of India for its continued support and appealed for further assistance in future endeavours.
The crowd was also enthralled by a special Angami folk song performance by the Tsahore Group, Khuzama.
The championship is organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland. A total of 54 wrestlers are competing in the championship, with 18 wrestlers each from the Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association. The champion will receive a cash prize of ₹ 6,00,000 along with a plot of land donated by Tepuleho Pusa and family. The second and third place winners will receive ₹ 3,00,000 and ₹ 2,00,000 respectively, while the fourth place winner will be awarded ₹ 1,50,000.
This year’s edition featured the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship along with two new categories — the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship and the 1st NWA Provisional Championship, which were held on 6th March 2026.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
