A four-member Naga Wrestling team will represent India at the upcoming UWW Asian Belt Wrestling Championship 2026, scheduled to be held on April 13–14 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The team is participating under the aegis of the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF).
The contingent is led by president of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), Vivolie Kezo, alongside prominent wrestlers – Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (100+ Kg Category – Freestyle & Classic); Venuzo Dawhuo (Below 100 Kg Category – Freestyle & Classic); Nlumrai Hegwang (Below 80 Kg Category – Freestyle).
The team departed from Dimapur on April 11 and will return on April 17, 2026.
The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) has expressed deep gratitude to Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along, for sponsoring the team. The association also acknowledged the Minister’s initiative in promoting Naga Wrestling internationally and his efforts to include the sport in the World Nomad Games 2026, also to be held later this year in Bishkek.
In a statement, the NWA appealed to the wrestling fraternity and the general public to extend their support and encouragement to the team as they compete on the Asian stage.
