Nagaland: Kelechülie Zumu crowned champion of 53rd Chakhroma Wrestling Meet 2026

The 53rd edition of the Chakhroma Wrestling Meet 2026 was held at Thepfü Thepfü local ground, Chümoukedima town, showcasing the strength, skill and stamina of senior and under-15 category wrestlers. The event was organised by the Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) and hosted by Chümoukedima Circle.
The highlight of the competition was the crowning of a new champion. Kelechülie Zumu, son of Soleo Zumu from Urra village, emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle against runner-up Neikotsilie Krose of Medziphema town. Khrietuo Khwükha and Miaziekho Khwükha secured third and fourth positions respectively.
In the under-15 category, Visalhoukho Tsükrü, son of Khriesakedo Tsükrü of Medziphema village, clinched the championship by defeating Kovi Seyie. Razoukhrie Yhoshü and Mhasilhoulie Nagi finished third and fourth respectively. The prize for best tactic wrestler in the senior category went to Terhüjavi Terhüja of Tsüüma village, while Vilhousie Kuotsu of Medziphema village claimed the same honour in the under-15 category. Group-D was declared overall group champion.
A significant moment of the day was the commissioning of a new wrestling mat donated to CYO by MP Rajya Sabha, S. Phangnon Konyak under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MP-LADS).
The meet was graced by advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of Nagaland, Zhaleo Rio, MLA as the chief guest. In his speech, Zhaleo Rio underscored the cultural significance of Naga Wrestling as an indigenous sport, recalling its roots among the Tenyimia tribes. He credited the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) for professionalising the sport and expressed optimism about its growth with participation from other tribes such as Sumi, Lotha, Chang, Rengma, Sangtam and Pochury. He urged young wrestlers to maintain discipline and consistency, noting the increasing competitiveness of the sport and commended CYO for its efforts in promoting traditional wrestling in Chakhroma areas.
The programme concluded with a speech by guest of honour president of Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Zasivikho Zakiesato, who encouraged the wrestlers and lauded the organisers for providing a platform to nurture young talent.
The formal programme, chaired by general secretary CYO, Kekhrievikho Khro, began with an invocation by assistant pastor of Chümoukedima Village Baptist Church, Zasevito Kuotsu, followed by a special song presented by Rüüvikho Zhünyü. Distinguished invitees were honoured by vice-president CYO, Sedevilie Angami.
Words of appreciation were also delivered by assistant wrestling secretary CYO, Virüüzo Meyase.