28 years-old Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, of Kohima village on Wednesday won the 67th NASA wrestling meet at Khuochiezie (Local Ground) in Kohima.
As the champion, Peinyü walked away with a cash award of Rs.1 lakh, sponsored by Mengutuo Rio.
Menuosetuo Yiese secured the second position while the third position was claimed by Thejavizo Merhieso and Keneisevor Theinuo finished in fourth place.
Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering, P Bashangmongba Chang, in his speech during the inaugural function of the championship said that wrestling holds a special place in the social, cultural, and traditional life of the people of Nagaland.
The minister highlighted that wrestling is not merely a sport, but a living expression of Naga heritage, identity, and values passed down through generations. He added that traditionally wrestling was practiced in almost every Naga village but over the years, the scope and avenue of wrestling has widened on a large scale.
“It is a living fact that major wrestling events, especially state-level championships and hornbill-related festivals attract spectators, tourists, and media attention which in turn contributes to the local economy, benefiting small businesses, vendors, and the hospitality sector. Thus, wrestling has emerged as both a cultural asset and an economic contributor,” he noted.
Chang also mentioned that Naga traditional wrestling has become a unifying force that cuts across tribal boundaries. He said today, with the formation of Naga Wrestling Association (NWA) in the year 1971, spearheaded by the Tenyimia people, has brought together youth from different tribes under one common platform in the form of Naga Open Wrestling Championship, fostering brotherhood, unity, and mutual respect.
The minister stated that in 2025, boys from Chang community too underwent training under the initiative of Angami Sports Association at NWA. He said wrestlers from Chang community were first promoted by the community’s Apex Sports Association. From that day onwards, the community started to include wrestling competition as one of the sporting item during Panglum Mini Hornbill festival since the last two years.
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With the collaborative spirit of the NWA, the minister said that Naga wrestling should be introduced to the rest of the tribes of the state.
“Wrestling in Nagaland is far more than a competitive sports, it strengthens the sense of Naga identity among the youth and provides a living link between ancestral traditions and modern society,” the minister maintained. Chang also thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for taking Naga youth a step ahead by developing various sports infrastructure in Nagaland.
He further called upon all the contenders of the tournament to compete with each other in all fairness, discipline, upholding the spirit of sportsmanship and traditional values, the legacy which our ancestors had upheld since time immemorial.
Neiyalie Angami, treasurer of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), in his valedictory speech said that wrestling holds deep cultural and traditional significance for the Naga people, symbolising brotherhood and discipline. He stressed that wrestlers must remain obedient and disciplined to uphold the values of the sport.
The official described traditional Naga wrestling as more than a competitive game, calling it a medium for sharing blessings and strengthening unity. He also commended the NWA for its consistent efforts in promoting the sport at the national and international levels.
Referring to the National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya from February to March 2027, Angami informed that 35 disciplines will be featured, with Nagaland selected to host the national-style wrestling events. He urged freestyle wrestlers to train rigorously, noting that athletes have a year to prepare for the prestigious games.
Ground management for the event was handled by St. Stephen’s Church, Rüsoma.
The winners were felicitated with prizes and certificates during the closing ceremony.
