The 15th edition of the Naga Wrestling Association (NWA) Open Naga Wrestling Championship will be held on March 28, 2025, at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground), informed the NWA during a press conference on March 25.
This year’s event will mark a significant milestone, introducing women’s categories and implementing a point system for the first time.
Addressing the media, Vivolie Kezo, NWA President highlighted the association’s commitment to expanding Naga wrestling beyond traditional boundaries. Following a historic decision taken at its 1st General Assembly (2024-2028 tenure) on July 20, 2024, the NWA resolved to promote Naga wrestling among tribes that have not yet adopted the sport.
So far, 10 tribes—Angami, Chakhesang, Zeliang, Lotha, Sumi, Pochury, Rengma, Chang, Ao, and Phom—have formed their wrestling associations and organized wrestlers for participation.
A total of 129 wrestlers, including 100 men and 29 women, will compete in this year’s championship. The NWA aims to extend this outreach to all 17 tribes of Nagaland, with the ultimate goal of gaining national, international, and Olympic recognition.
“With the active support of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Abu Metha, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), the state is preparing to host the Asian Belt Wrestling Championship. Naga wrestling will be featured as the main event during this championship, provided all UWW guidelines are met,” mentioned Kezo.
NWA General Secretary, Kenlum Hemang, clarified that the association has introduced two distinct categories to preserve traditional practices while aligning with international standards.
Naga Traditional Wrestling– This will retain its original format without women’s participation, preserving Naga customs.
Naga Wrestling– This version, introduced to meet the guidelines set by the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), includes women’s participation and a structured point system.
While traditional wrestling will remain a key feature of the NWA’s calendar, the open championships, including the International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship, will adhere to the UWW criteria to promote the sport globally. Meanwhile, NWA Vice President, Viketouzo Meyase, emphasized that the association’s goal is to secure recognition for Naga wrestling at the international level.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The championship will feature three men’s categories and two women’s categories:
Men’s Categories
- Open Category:
Champion – ₹2,00,000;
Second – ₹1,00,000;
Semi-finalists – ₹50,000 each.
- Below 90 Kg:
Champion – ₹1,00,000;
Second- ₹50,000;
Semi-finalists- ₹25,000 each.
-Below 75 Kg:
Champion -₹1,00,000;
Second – ₹50,000;
Semi-finalists – ₹25,000 each.
Women’s Categories:
- 60 Kg & Above
Champion – ₹50,000;
Second – ₹25,000;
Semi-finalists – ₹10,000 each.
- Below 60 Kg:
Champion – ₹50,000;
Second – ₹25,000;
Semi-finalists – ₹10,000 each.
The championship will be graced by Jacob Zhimomi, Minister for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) & Co-operation, as the Special Guest, and Chingmak Chang, President of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), as the Honoured Guest.
Decisions by referees can be challenged through Video Review by depositing a non-refundable fee of ₹10,000. Any dispute will be resolved by the Jury Board, whose decision shall be final and binding.
Kezo appealed for the support and cooperation of all Naga communities, emphasizing that this collective effort would elevate Naga wrestling to new heights and bring greater unity through the sport.
