Nagaland Wrestling Association selects 15 wrestlers from 66 participants for the World Wrestling Championship 2026 in Goa.
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) selected 15 wrestlers from among 66 participants during the Naga Wrestling selection trials held at Viswema Multipurpose Hall in Kohima district on Saturday to represent the association at the upcoming UWW World Wrestling Championship 2026 in Goa.
According to a press release, the championship, featuring Alysh and Naga Wrestling, is scheduled to take place from December 14 to the 20th under the aegis of the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF), which will host the event with NWA as co-host.
Wrestlers from more than 20 countries are expected to participate in both disciplines.
Addressing the inaugural session as the special guest, Pele Khezhie, President of the Nagaland Taekwondo Association, appreciated the NWA for its sustained efforts in promoting Naga wrestling and taking the indigenous sport towards international recognition.
Describing himself as an avid follower of Naga Wrestling and a wrestler at heart, Khezhie recalled the efforts of past NWA leaders in popularising the traditional sport beyond Nagaland.
He further highlighted the significance of Naga Wrestling's recognition by the Traditional Wrestling Association of India (TWAI), which he said is affiliated with United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for wrestling.
Describing the championship as a historic milestone, Khezhie said the event marked a significant step towards taking Naga Wrestling beyond its traditional boundaries and onto the international stage. He expressed hope that the initiative would open further opportunities for the sport's growth and wider recognition.
He also appreciated the inclusion of women in Naga Wrestling and encouraged athletes to uphold sportsmanship, unity and discipline while striving for success at national and international levels.
Delivering the keynote address, NWA President Vivolie Kezo highlighted the association's initiatives in promoting the traditional sport at the state, national and international levels.
Kezo expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his continued support and cooperation in promoting Naga Wrestling as a global sporting event.
Kezo said Naga Wrestling had been practised among three tribes, Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang, for more than 50 years. With the inclusion of provisional units representing the Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, Pochury, Chang and Sangtam tribes, nine Naga tribes are now actively participating in the traditional sport.
The selection trials featured 66 wrestlers competing across various weight categories in the senior men's, senior women's, under-17 boys' and under-15 boys' divisions.
The selected wrestlers in the senior men's category are Keneiselie Khawakhrie (-74 kg), Nubasa Rhakho (-82 kg), Vevokho Rüho (-90 kg), Venuzo Dawhuo (-100 kg), Venü Vadeo (-110 kg) and Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (110+ kg).
In the senior women's category, the selected wrestlers are Vekhonielu Cürhah (-60 kg), Vizoseno Kiso (-66 kg), Cühülu Hiese (-73 kg) and Khrielhounuo Thevo (73+ kg).
In the under-17 boys' category, Keviletuo Khro (-65 kg), Metseilhoukho Zhünyü (-72 kg) and Vidil Sachü (-80 kg) were selected, while Mhasikedo Vimerha (-54 kg) and Vemukre Puro (-60 kg) were selected in the under-15 boys' category.