The first ever Open Nagaland Wrestling Competition in the Ao area was held at Saringyim village, under Mokokchung district, as part of the Moatsü Festival on 1 May 2024. The competition featured a total of 12 wrestlers after a two-day coaching camp held for new players under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association.

The top three winners, namely Toshimanen, Akumtoshi, and Imtinenba, received cash prizes.

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Yimkum Sashi Pongen, the event’s manager, organized the First Open Wrestling Competition at Saringyim village (Nokpu-B), Mokokchung, to promote the art of wrestling among young Ao men. He said that the motive behind the event was to promote Naga wrestling in the Ao area and also among other non-wrestling tribes of Nagaland.

The event was organized in collaboration with three Angami Wrestlers from Nagaland, namely Keduovilie Zumu (2-time International Medalist) as the Guest Mentor, Keneiselie Khawakhrie (National Wrestler) as the Coach, and Medosalie Zumu as the Assistant Coach under the mentorship of the Nagaland Wrestling Association.

Pongen stated that the Naga Wrestling Championship, the biggest sport event in Nagaland, is relatively new to the Ao Naga Tribe. He emphasized that this event will help create enthusiasm about wrestling among the Ao community, generate positive publicity, and encourage young people to participate positively in this great sport.

Yimkum Sashi Pongen, whose father is Ao from Nokpu village and Mother is Angami from Jakhama village, was born and brought up in Tenyiphe 1 (Angami area). He said that wrestling was nothing new to him and said, “I have been practicing it since childhood.” He said, “I first competed in a tournament in the year 2012, and I thank God for giving me good health and wish to continue again as long as I am fit and fine.”

He further expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his family members, friends, relatives, and his native village “Kiyim Lanur” group for their support.