Kezhaseluo Pienyü wins the 18th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship open category in Kigwema.
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KIGWEMA — Twenty-six-year-old Angami wrestler Kezhaseluo Pienyü lifted the open category title of the 18th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship at Kimipfüphe Local Ground, Kigwema, on Thursday.
Pienyü, who previously won the 14th and 15th editions in 2021 and 2022, reclaimed the title after a two-year gap.
Organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) and sponsored by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, the event saw Pienyü from Kohima village, weighing 132 kg, walk away with a cash prize of INR 70,000.
The second position was secured by 19-year-old Thuputha Hesuh, weighing 88 kg, from the Chakhesang tribe. Hailing from Porba village, he received INR 50,000.
The third position was shared by Waku K Tara and Mulusu Veswuh, both from the Chakhesang tribe, who received INR 10,000 each.
Also read: 18th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship begins on December 4 at Kigwema
In the 90 kg and below category, Angami wrestler Kevizhakho Suokhrie (30) from Jotsoma village, weighing 88 kg, stood first and pocketed INR 40,000.
Chakhesang wrestler Sasuyi Nyekha from Suthozu village won the second position and received INR 20,000. Seyiejalie Gwirie (Angami) from Jotsoma village and Basayi Keyho (Chakhesang) from Phek village won the third position and were awarded INR 10,000 each.
In the provisional category (85 kg), Senitlong Imchen from Mongchen village of the Ao tribe won the first position and was awarded INR 30,000.
Another Ao wrestler, Yimkhumsashi Pongen from Nokpu village, won the second position and was awarded INR 20,000. Rengma wrestlers Sotilo Seb from Tesophenyu village and Jochuhyu Semy from Rumesinyu village secured the third position and received INR 10,000 each.
In the women’s category, 20-year-old Vizoseno Kiso (Angami) from Sakhabama village, weighing 60 kg, won the first position and received INR 20,000.
Chakhesang wrestler Lutholu Vezhu (25), weighing 75 kg, from Khomi village was placed in the second position and received INR 10,000. Vikehenuo Zumvü from Chiechama village (Angami) and Helivi Sheqi (Sumi) from Mishilimi village secured the third position and received INR 5,000 each.
A total of 57 wrestlers competed in this year’s championship: 12 in the 90 kg and below category, 11 in the open category, 21 in the provisional category, and 13 in the women’s category.
Sophie calls for greater participation
Earlier in the day, Kevipodi Sophie, MLA of the 14th Southern Angami Assembly Constituency (AC), attended the event as the special guest.
In his speech, he said the event celebrates not only strength and skill but also the rich heritage and identity of the Naga people. He highlighted that Naga wrestling has always been more than a contest of power—it is a reflection of discipline, respect, and resilience.
“A healthy athlete embodies these values, understanding that physical fitness, mental clarity and moral integrity go hand in hand. Through this sport, our youth learn the importance of dedication, clean competition and personal growth,” Sophie said.
The legislator stated that Naga wrestling stands at a moment of tremendous potential, noting that what was once a traditional sport within the villages has grown into a platform that draws international attention.
Recognising this potential, he asserted that the government is taking deliberate steps to elevate Naga wrestling to the global stage. He stated that improving training facilities, supporting athletes through specialised programmes, promoting the sport at international sporting forums, and documenting and digitalising its history for worldwide visibility are initiatives aimed at ensuring the sport earns the recognition it deserves.
He also encouraged all major tribes of Nagaland to embrace the sport and join the wrestling arena with pride, stating that Naga wrestling belongs to every community and its legacy grows stronger when all tribes compete together.
The legislator further called upon the NWA to take the sport to every tribe and district, broadening participation beyond the Angami, Chakhesang, and Zeliang communities.
Furthermore, Sophie called upon the people to honour the athletes who carry forward the legacy and reaffirm their commitment to nurturing a sporting culture rooted in health, discipline, and unity.