Nagaland: CCCYO holds wrestling meet at Sovima

The Chümoukedima Circle Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CCCYO) successfully organised the CCCYO Wrestling Meet 2026 on Saturday at Sovima Village Local Ground, Chümoukedima.
Altogether, 32 wrestlers competed in the event, comprising 19 senior and 13 junior participants. The meet served as a vital platform to promote and preserve the age-old tradition of Naga Wrestling, while also identifying and nurturing local talent.
In the Senior Category, Kelechülie Zumu of Urra secured the first position, followed by Keneisetuo Kire of Tenyiphe-I in second place. Pfuvilie Neikha of Tenyiphe-I finished third, while Vivotuo Tsükrü of Sovima claimed fourth position. In the Junior Category, Keneisekho Kuotsu of Chumu Village emerged champion, with Kepesielic Kuotsu, also from Chumu Village, finishing second. Mhasilhoulie Nagi of Urra Village took third place, while Kevilhoukho Kire of Chumu Village secured fourth.
Sebastian Zumvü, vice president of the Chakhroma Public Organisation and chairman of Sovima Village Council, graced the occasion as special guest. In his address, Zumvü highlighted the growing reach of Naga Wrestling beyond its traditional strongholds. He expressed satisfaction over the increasing participation of wrestlers from diverse Naga tribes and communities, noting that the sport is no longer confined to Angami or Tenyimia groups alone.
Zumvü also spoke on the internationalisation of the sport, recalling how wrestlers from countries such as Kazakhstan and the United States have participated in Naga Wrestling tournaments. He described foreign wrestlers as ambassadors of Naga Wrestling and expressed hope that, with active encouragement from the state government, more international athletes would join in the future.
Reflecting on social change, Zumvü noted the rising participation of women in Naga Wrestling. He recalled a time when women were not even allowed inside wrestling arenas, contrasting it with the present scenario where women from various tribes now actively compete. Calling it a sign of changing times, he said the sport continues to thrive and evolve while remaining rooted in tradition. While acknowledging that enthusiasm for wrestling among the Chakhroma people still lags behind some other regions, Zumvü expressed optimism that initiatives led by youth organisations like CCCYO would inspire greater participation and attendance in the years ahead.
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Thepfusielie Virie, assistant pastor of Baptist Church Sovima. The welcome address was delivered by Kezhangutuo Zhotso, president of CCCYO, followed by a special song presented by Keneingusa Dzeyie. The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by Mhasileto Sophie, Wrestling Secretary of CCCYO.