Menuokhriezo Metha clinches 1st NWA Under-15 category title
The two-day 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026, along with the 1st Naga Wrestling Association (NWA) Under-15 Championship and 1st NWA Provisional Championship-cum-First Wrestling Festival 2026, organised by the Naga Wrestling Association and powered by the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, commenced at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on March 6.
In the Provisional category, Pukiye Shohe (Sumi) emerged as the champion, followed by Yankithung Shitiri (Lotha) in second place, Lumthsa Sangtam in third place, and Jochuhyu Semy (Rengma) in fourth place. In the Under-15 category, Menuokhriezo Metha (Angami) secured the first position, while Mudoto Dozo (Chakhesang) finished second. Kütho Puro (Chakhesang) and Chüre Pohena (Chakhesang) placed third and fourth respectively.
For the Provisional championship, the champion received Rs. 2 lakhs, the runner-up Rs. 1 lakh, third place Rs. 80,000, and fourth place Rs. 60,000. Quarterfinalists will be awarded Rs. 10,000 each, participants Rs. 5,000 each, and the best team will receive Rs. 30,000.
In the Under-15 championship category, the champion was awarded Rs. 1 lakh, the runner-up Rs. 80,000, third place Rs. 60,000, and fourth place Rs. 40,000. Quarterfinalists will receive Rs. 10,000 each and all participants Rs. 5,000 each.
The inaugural session on the first day was graced by Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, who stated that Nagaland is progressing not only in sports but in many other sectors as well. He encouraged the people of the state to facilitate and support such positive initiatives, noting that sports can play an important role in improving the state’s economy.
He expressed hope that Naga Wrestling would continue to be promoted widely and eventually gain recognition across the world. Thanking the wrestlers for displaying strength, resilience, bravery and honour, he said their performances reflect not only their individual abilities but also the rich culture of their communities and the wider Naga society.
Along also appreciated the efforts of the Naga Wrestling Association for organising the event in collaboration with the Tourism Department and emphasised the need to promote sportsmanship, stating that athletes are ambassadors of both the sport and their communities.
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Sanjay Kumar Singh, president of the Wrestling Federation of India, will grace the second day of the programme as the special guest and honoured guest respectively.