NWA to host Under-15, Provisional Championships and first Wrestling Festival
The Nagaland Wrestling Association will organise the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship along with the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship, 1st NWA Provisional Championship and the 1st Wrestling Festival 2026 on March 6 and 7 at Khuochiezie, Kohima.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, and Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Kumar Singh will attend the two-day championship as guests.
According to a press statement issued by NWA Joint Secretary Kuzhovesa Soho, Day 1 on March 6 will feature the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship and the 1st NWA Provisional Championship. Temjen Imna Along will grace the inaugural programme as the Inaugural Guest. The Under-15 Championship will include eight wrestlers each from Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association.
The Provisional Championship will be contested by Lotha, Sumi, Pochury, Rengma, Chang and Sangtam wrestling associations, with eight wrestlers from each unit.
Day 2 on March 7 will host the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship, featuring 18 professional wrestlers each from Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association. The Chief Minister will attend as the Special Guest, while the Wrestling Federation of India President will be the Honoured Guest.
Reigning NWA Champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü will serve as the torch bearer, while former NWA President Neikhrolo Khalo will hoist the association flag. Traditional songs and Naga traditional cuisine will mark the first Wrestling Festival, which is being supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The administration of oath will be conducted on March 6 by NWA Technical Secretary Vekhriyi Chüzho for wrestlers across all three categories. Age verification for Under-15 wrestlers, official briefings, and distribution of badges will be held on March 5 from 2 pm onwards at Khuochiezie.
The association has also issued detailed arrangements regarding invitations, galleries, parking, traffic coordination and cleanliness. Wrestling enthusiasts have been urged to cooperate with volunteers and authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the championship.
The following cash prizes along with citations will be awarded to the winners
Professional Category
- First: 6,00,000/- along with plot of land measuring 100ft X 100ft located at Chumoukedima donated by Tepuleho Pusa & family of Viswema Village.
- Second: 3,00,000/-
- Third: 2,00,000/-
- Fourth: 1,50,000/-
- Losing quarter finalists: 20,000/- each
- All participants: 10,000/- each
- Group Champion: 60,000/-
Under 15
- First: 1,00,000/-
- Second: 80,000/-
- Third: 60,000/-
- Fourth: 40,000/-
- Losing quarter finalists: 10,000/- each
- All participants: 5,000/- each
Provisional
- First: 2,00,000/-
- Second: 1,00,000/-
- Third: 80,000/-
- Fourth: 60,000/-
- Losing quarter finalists: 10,000/- each
- All participants: 5,000/- each
- Best Team: 30,000/-
