Nagaland CWA to host 3rd Senior, 2nd U-15 Open Naga Wrestling C’ship

Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) is set to organise the 3rd Senior and 2nd U-15 Open Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2025 under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) on November 7, at the Pfütsero Sports Complex in Phek district.
Announcing the event during a press conference on Sunday, CWA president, Vezohü Rüho, said this would be the third edition of the championship. He recalled that the first and second editions were won by Kezhavizo Thevo and Huluyi D. Vadeo respectively. Expressing optimism, Rüho described the upcoming event as “a highly anticipated championship” that continues to grow in prestige and participation.
So far, 50 wrestlers have registered, including 9 from the Angami Wrestling Association, 1 each from the Ao and Lotha Wrestling Associations, and 40 from CWA.
Among the prominent wrestlers confirmed to compete are Kezhavizo Thevo, Huluyi D. Vadeo, Venuzo Dawhuo, Vemele Thingo, Rukukhoto Khüsoh, Venü Vadeo, Sasüyi Nyekha, Küvehü Puro, Thüputha Hesüh, Atuo Tevo, Mezivil Kiso, Keneiselie Khawakhrie, Mhaneikholie Kuotsu, Sentilong Imchen, and Lichumthung C. Kikon.
In the senior category, the champion will walk away with a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh, while the runner-up will receive Rs. 1.20 lakh. The third and fourth positions will earn Rs. 70,000 and Rs.50,000 respectively, and quarter-finalists will each receive Rs. 10,000.
In the U-15 category, the winner will receive Rs. 15,000, the runner-up Rs. 10,000, while the third and fourth place holders will get Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively. Losing quarter-finalists will be awarded Rs.2,000 each.
CWA general secretary, Kukhoto Venyo, informed that Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, C.L. John, will grace the event as the special guest, while Director of Tourism, Veyielo Doulo, will attend as the guest of honour.
He further informed that the Chakhesang Catholic Association will sponsor the cash prizes for the champion and runner-up in the senior category. The third position is sponsored by SE, Directorate of Water Resources, Er. Khrotso John Koza; the fourth position by Additional Director of Agriculture, Medovilie Ladu; three quarter-finalist prizes by JE, PWD (Housing) Division No.1, Kohima, Er. R. Shurhotho Nyusou; and one by Account and Programme Assistant, Liasou Emy Nukhu. The U-15 prizes are sponsored by CWA.
Registration for senior wrestlers from outside will remain open till November 3, while registration for U-15 wrestlers will continue till the day of the event. The U-15 category will accommodate 32 wrestlers, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The chief referee will be Kezhalelie Keretsü, assisted by Hüvesü Puro, Zehoto Kikhi, Zacüta Puro, Lhüvenü Phesao, Keneingulie Nagi, Kope Kronu, Khrietuolie Üsou, and Sürhoneyi Soho.
The jury board will comprise Chisazo Dawhuo (convenor), Hükhonieye Soho (member), and the assistant technical secretary of CWA.
Convenor of the management committee, Rekha Rose Dukru of the Chakhesang Catholic Association, informed that the venue will be designated a no-tobacco zone, with the sale of tobacco products strictly prohibited. She said CCTVs will be installed in and around the stadium to ensure the safety of spectators and assist in case of emergencies.
Encouraging eco-friendly practices, she urged spectators to bring their own water bottles, as refill stations will be provided to reduce plastic waste. She further assured that adequate parking arrangements would be made and managed by volunteers, urging viewers to cooperate to ensure smooth conduct.
Entry tickets will be available in five categories, priced between Rs. 150 and Rs. 5,000.