NWA’s landmark three-in-one C’ship and Festival

The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) has unveiled plans for a historic three-in-one wrestling event, combining the 30th NWA Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026, the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship, and the 1st NWA Provisional Championship-cum-Wrestling Festival 2026. The mega sporting spectacle will take place on March 6–7, 2026 at Khuochiezie Ground, Kohima local ground, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, Nagaland.
Chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio will grace the occasion as special guest, while Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along will serve as inaugural guest. The president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Sanjay Kumar Singh, will attend as honoured guest, alongside national and state wrestling leaders.
The NWA has announced attractive cash prizes, medals, and citations across categories:
Main Championship (Senior): Champion: Rs. 6 lakh + 100 ft × 100 ft plot at Chümoukedima (donated by Puleho Pusa) + medal + citation; Runner-up: Rs. 3 lakh; Third place: Rs. 2 lakh; Fourth place: Rs. 1.5 lakh; Quarterfinalists: Rs. 20,000 each; All participants: Rs. 10,000 each; Group champion: Rs. 60,000.
Under-15 Championship: Champion: Rs. 1 lakh; Runner-up: Rs. 80,000; Third place: Rs. 60,000; Fourth place: Rs. 40,000; Quarterfinalists: Rs. 10,000 each; Participants: Rs. 5,000 each.
Provisional Championship: Champion: Rs. 2 lakh; Runner-up: Rs. 1 lakh; Third place: Rs. 80,000; Fourth place: Rs. 60,000; Quarterfinalists: Rs. 10,000 each; Participants: Rs. 5,000 each; Best team: Rs. 30,000.
Tickets have been categorized to suit diverse audiences: Chair Back – Rs. 200; Chair Front: Rs. 500; Gallery Premium: Rs. 1,000; Gallery Donor/Floor Donor: Rs. 2,000 each; Well-Wishers: Rs. 10,000; VIP Box (5 persons): Rs. 1,00,000.
Day 1 tickets (March 6) will be available at half price, while full rates apply on Day 2 featuring the main bouts.
The championship will see participation from nine tribes – March 6: Wrestlers from Lotha, Rengma, Sumi, Pochury, Chang, and Sangtam associations, along with Under-15 competitors from Angami Sports Association (ASA), Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), and Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA).
March 7: 18 senior wrestlers from ASA, CWA and ZWA will contest the premier titles.
The event will be conducted in three tiers—provisional, junior and senior—integrating newly formed tribal wrestling bodies with established associations.
General secretary Kenlum Hemang announced the introduction of two distinct competitive categories: Naga Traditional Wrestling: Retains customary practices of tribes such as Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang, without women’s participation.
Naga Wrestling: Aligns with international frameworks under United World Wrestling (UWW) and IOC featuring women’s participation, weight divisions and points-based bouts.
This dual approach aims to protect indigenous heritage while paving the way for global recognition.
Vice president (General) Viketuozo Meyase confirmed that the championship will be broadcast live worldwide via a pay-per-view (PPV) platform managed by ahibi.in under Kaki Enterprises: Day 1 (March 6) – Rs. 49; Day 2 (March 7): Rs. 199.
NWA president Vivolie Kezo expressed gratitude to the Government of Nagaland for its support in promoting Naga wrestling. He highlighted the role of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along in championing indigenous sports. Kezo emphasized that the festival, being introduced alongside the championship, is envisioned as an annual event to further elevate Naga wrestling.
Publicity secretary Seyie Nagi noted that the tiered competition format ensures opportunities across age groups while integrating new tribal associations. Kezo concluded by thanking enthusiasts and supporters, affirming that their encouragement continues to drive the growth of Naga wrestling.