Naga wrestling a celebration of identity and heritage: Rio
Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü emerged champion of the 30th NWA Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship held at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on Saturday, winning a 100 ft × 100 ft plot of land in Chümoukedima donated by Puleho Pusa, along with a cash prize of Rs. 6 lakh, medal and citation.
Menuosetuo Yiese finished runners up with Rs. 3 lakh, while Venuzo Dawhuo and Venu Vadeo secured third and fourth positions, receiving Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 1.5 lakh respectively. All quarterfinalists were awarded Rs. 20,000 each, and every participant received Rs. 10,000. The Chakhesang group was declared group champion, receiving Rs. 60,000.
The championship also honoured the oldest participant, Zasevikho Meyatsu (39, Angami), and the youngest, Khrethoveyi Veswuh (17, Chakhesang).
The programme was blessed with invocation by Fr. Mathew Mhabemo, Parish Priest, while Kuzhovesa Soho, Joint Secretary NWA, chaired the event. NWA President Vivolie Kezo delivered the presidential address.
Organised by NWA with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, Nagaland, the two-day championship brought together wrestlers from across the state, celebrating tradition, culture and sporting excellence.
It also included the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship and the 1st NWA Provisional Championship-cum-Wrestling Festival 2026.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, gracing the 30th NWA Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground), said the annual championship is not merely a sporting event but a celebration of the identity, heritage and indomitable spirit of the Naga people.
Rio described indigenous wrestling, Kene, as a living heritage passed down from forefathers, symbolising strength, discipline, courage and respect. He reminded that for generations, wrestling was not only a contest of physical power but a test of character and integrity, where young men proved resilience, earned honour for their villages and upheld fairness and sportsmanship.
Reflecting on the growth of the sport, he said the 30th edition was a reminder of how far Naga wrestling has come—from village grounds to organised state-level competitions under the guidance of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA). He commended NWA for its tireless efforts in preserving and modernising the sport while safeguarding its traditional essence.
Rio also expressed happiness that wrestling has expanded beyond the Tenyimi area to Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, Pochury, Sangtam and Chang communities, calling it a unifying force and shared pride of all Nagas. He emphasised that although Nagaland is a small state with no major industries, it is richly blessed with culture, courage and sporting talent. Wrestling, he said, is a defining part of Naga identity and must be pursued with excellence to showcase the state’s strength to the nation and the world.
Addressing the wrestlers, Rio said they are not only athletes but ambassadors of culture. He urged them to wear their victories with humility, respect opponents and uphold the spirit of the game. He reminded that true greatness lies in discipline and perseverance, and that participation itself strengthens the legacy of Naga wrestling.
He further underlined the role of sports in shaping a healthy and progressive society, fostering unity, channeling youthful energy positively and promoting physical and mental well-being. At a time when youth face distractions, traditional sports like wrestling, he said, provide confidence, resilience and belonging.
Congratulating the champions, Rio encouraged them to inspire the younger generation, while reminding others that “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” He urged all participants to strive for improvement and push beyond personal limits.
He added that the championship is also an occasion that brings communities together, with the cheers of the crowd, traditional attire and shared pride strengthening unity. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sports infrastructure and supporting indigenous games alongside modern disciplines, while creating opportunities for youth to compete at regional, national and international levels.
As the milestone championship concluded, Rio called upon the people to renew their commitment to preserving traditions while embracing progress. Quoting, “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory,” he expressed hope that this spirit would guide the youth not only in sports but also in education, service and leadership. He congratulated organisers, referees and spectators for their contributions and wished the championship further success in elevating the glory of Naga tradition.
Meanwhile, a DIPR report informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio distributed financial assistance of Rs.1,00,000 each from the Chief Minister’s Sports Fund to six provisional wrestling units—Rengma Wrestling Association, Sumi Wrestling Association, Lotha Wrestling Association, Pochury Wrestling Association, Chang Wrestling Association and Sangtam Wrestling Association.
Rio was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Sharingain Longkumer, Advisors, MLAs and other dignitaries during the programme.