Nagaland wrestlers win 22 medals at 13th AITWPF National Championship

In a remarkable achievement, the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) team clinched 22 medals at the 13th All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) National Wrestling Championship 2026, held from January 9 to 12 at Mapusa, Goa.
For the first time, Naga Wrestling was introduced as a medal event discipline at the national-level championship. NWA joint secretary Kuzhovesa Soho expressed optimism that the inclusion would pave the way for Naga Wrestling to feature in international competitions in the near future.
Altogether, 15 states participated in the Naga Wrestling event. Meghalaya topped the medal tally with 26 medals, followed by Assam (17), Delhi (15), and Rajasthan (13). Nagaland secured nine medals in the Naga Wrestling category, contributing to its overall tally of 22 medals across different disciplines.
The NWA extended gratitude to AITWPF president Omarmukhtar Tamboli for accepting its proposal to include Naga Wrestling as a medal event. It also acknowledged the support of the Government of Nagaland and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports for financial and logistical assistance, which helped realize the long-cherished dream of Naga wrestling enthusiasts. The Nagaland contingent comprised of five male wrestlers, four female wrestlers and seven officials. The team is scheduled to return home on January 13.
Medal Achievers
Naga Wrestling (Senior Men): Venu Vadeo: Gold (+100 Kg); Thuputha Hesuh: Gold (90 Kg); Seyiejalie Gwirie: Gold (80 Kg); Wecho Wetsah: Gold (70 Kg); Thehiechulie Metha: Gold (65 Kg).
Naga Wrestling (Senior Women): Vikehenuo Zumvu: Gold (+70 Kg); Haizuyile Zeliang: Gold (65 Kg); Vekhonielu Curhah: Gold (55 Kg).
Under-17 Girls (Naga Wrestling): Lutholu Vezuh: Silver (+60 Kg)
Belt Wrestling (Senior Men): Venu Vadeo: Gold (+100 Kg); Thuputha Hesuh: Gold (90 Kg); Seyiejalie Gwirie: Gold (80 Kg); Wecho Wetsah: Gold (70 Kg); Thehiechulie Metha: Silver (65 Kg).
Belt Wrestling (Senior Women): Vikehenuo Zumvu: Gold (+70 Kg); Haizuyile Zeliang: Gold (65 Kg); Vekhonielu Curhah: Gold (55 Kg); Lutholu Vezuh: Silver (+60 Kg).
MAS Wrestling (Senior Men): Thuputha Hesuh: Gold (90 Kg)
MAS Wrestling (Senior Girls): Haizuyile Zeliang: Gold (65 Kg); Vekhonielu Curhah: Gold (55 Kg); Lutholu Vezuh: Silver (+60 Kg).