The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) organized a Trial Selection for Naga Wrestling on October 24 at the Viswema Multipurpose Hall. This event aimed to select athletes to represent the NWA team under the aegis of the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) at the upcoming UWW World Wrestling Championship 2026.
The championship, featuring Alysh and Naga Wrestling, is scheduled to take place from December 14 to 20 in Goa, India, with AITWPF as the host and NWA as the co-host. The event will see participation from over 20 countries competing in both Alysh and Naga Wrestling.
The trial selection was honoured by the presence of Pele Khezhie, President of Nagaland Taekwondo Association as the Special Guest, who encouraged the athletes to uphold sportsmanship and unity, striving for excellence and success at both national and international levels.
He lauded the Association in promoting Naga wrestling at the international level and for inclusion of Women in Naga Wrestling.
In his keynote address, Vivolie Kezo, President of NWA, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, for his unwavering support and cooperation in promoting Naga Wrestling as a global event. He also extended gratitude to AITWPF and the United World Wrestling (UWW) for including Naga Wrestling in the UWW World Wrestling Championship 2026.
He said that Naga Wrestling was played among three tribes – Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang for more than 50 years, but now with the inclusion of provisional units including Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, Pochury, Chang and Sangtam tribes, nine Naga tribes are actively participating in Naga Wrestling.
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The inaugural program was chaired by Kenlum Hemang, General Secretary of NWA. The invocation was delivered by DzüvingolSothu, Associate Pastor of the Christian Revival Church, Viswema, and the oath was administered by Rangilang Ikierembe, Property Secretary of NWA.
The selection process featured 66 wrestlers across various weight categories in senior, under-17, and under-15 divisions. Ultimately, 15 wrestlers were selected, as detailed in the list provided below.
