The 15th edition of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Open Wrestling Championship is set to take place on March 28, 2025, at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground). The event will be graced by Jacob Zhimomi, Minister for PHED, Government of Nagaland, as the Special Guest.
Defending champion Venuzo Dawhuo will enter the tournament as the reigning NWA Open Champion, while this year’s edition will also mark a significant milestone with the introduction of the 1st Women’s Open Wrestling Championship.
Categories for NWA Open Wrestling Championship 2025:
Men’s Division:
· Open Category
· Below 90 kg
· Below 75 kg
Women’s Division:
· 60 kg & Above
· Below 60 kg
The NWA has invited participation from wrestlers representing all tribes of Nagaland, along with competitors from outside the state, to take part in this prestigious championship.
Registration Details:
Interested wrestlers may collect registration forms from the following representatives:
· Ruokuovikho Chale (Angami Sports Association) – 9856071077
· Vezohu Ruho (Chakhesang Wrestling Association) – 8837456048
· Kengim Ilunglung (Zeliang Wrestling Association) – 8730923446
· N Kitoshe Kiho (Sumi Wrestling Association) – 9615770695
· Mharomo Lotha (Lotha Wrestling Association) – 9362355091
· Sipichu Pfithu (Pochury Wrestling Association) – 8787322751
· Ruchuyhum Seb (Rengma Wrestling Association) – 9612370544
· Chingmak Chang (Chang Wrestling Association) – 9862330546
· Kuzhovesa Soho (Nagaland Wrestling Association) – 7005104434
· Seyielhouvi Nagi (Nagaland Wrestling Association) – 8787538827
Completed registration forms must be submitted either to the respective units or to the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) in hard or soft copy by March 20, 2025.
Introducing Changes for International Recognition
In alignment with the guidelines of the United World Wrestling (UWW), the NWA is actively working to fulfill key criteria required to qualify Naga Wrestling as an international sport. These include the implementation of a category system, point system, wrestling costumes, and the inclusion of women’s wrestling, the NWA publicity secretary Seyielhouvi Nagi said in a press release.
This system was introduced during the 17th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship 2024 held at Chiechama on December 6, 2024, as part of the association’s efforts to elevate Naga Wrestling to the global stage. The same framework will also be applied at the upcoming UWW Asian Wrestling Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in Kohima.
However, the NWA clarified that the traditional format of Naga Wrestling will continue in the main event of the NWA Open Wrestling Championship. The grassroots structure—beginning from the village level and progressing to the championship—remains intact, preserving the unique cultural values and heritage of the sport.
Acknowledging the challenges of introducing these changes, the NWA expressed confidence that these adaptations will help Naga Wrestling gain international recognition, creating greater opportunities for wrestlers and referees from the region. The association has appealed to the wrestling fraternity for their continued support and cooperation in advancing Naga Wrestling to greater heights.