A total of 51 wrestlers will vie for the 29th Senior and 1st Under 15 Wrestling Meet 2026 of the Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA), scheduled to be held on January 10 at Phek Town.
Of the total participants, 38 wrestlers will compete in the senior category, while 13 will take part in the Under 15 category. Seating capacity for around 8,000 spectators has been arranged by the ground management team of Khutsokhuno Baptist Church.
The inaugural programme will begin at 8.30 a.m., with MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu attending as the special guest. The programme will be led by PAWA finance secretary Er Shekhotso Keyho, while the presidential address will be delivered by PAWA president Chikhozo Chizo. PAWA technical secretary Surhoneyi Soho will administer the oath to the wrestlers. Hukhoneyi Soho will officiate the event as chief referee.
Entry tickets for spectators have been fixed at Rs 5,000 for donors, Rs 2,000, Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 for chair categories, and Rs 200 for the gallery.
Meanwhile, the general assembly of PAWA was held on Friday at the Phek Town Council Hall, where it resolved to maintain decorum and decency during the championship. The association warned that anyone found indulging in anti-social activities or unruly behaviour would be strictly penalised.
The house also decided to constitute a PAWA Constitution Drafting Committee, to be headed by Kuzhovesa Soho as convenor. It further endorsed the executive council’s proposal to organise the 1st Phek Area Open Wrestling Championship in 2027 and resolved to conduct an intensive wrestling training and coaching camp in 2026.
Senior category
Group A (Losami): Waku K Tara, Chenewe Swuro, Menuwehi Mekrisuh, Thomewe Khesoh, Jewe Mekrisuh, Wecheku Mekrisuh, Khriezo K Tara and Hinewe K Tara
Group B (Khomi): Sao Vezhu, Akhruku Vezüh, Mututso Nienu, Vemhayi Tenenu, Vepazo Lohe, Veyikhro Vezüh, Veshe Lala, Kusayi Tsütso, Mave Lala and Vemuku Lohe
Group C (Khutsokhuno/Khuza/Lozaphuhu/Kizari): Vethozo Lohe, Vesuvoyi Vero, Vezokhoyi Veswu, Vecito Tetseo, Choveyi Lohe, Vevo Rhakho, Mudove Rhakho, Kedato Vese, Beduhu Khamo and Nusato Chizo.
Group D (Phek): Kuluvezo Soho, Basayi Keyho, Thupumutu Chizo, Nieyi Vero, Nubasa Rhakho, Vezuzo Keyho, Vetsota Soho, Sheluhu Khesoh, Johi Rhakho and Hashe-o Venuh.
Under 15 Category 2026
Group A (Phek): Bizo Chizo, Zhovetha Venuh, Kuvenu Venuh and Zuveo Keyho
Group B (Losami/ Mutsale/Khuza): Menuhi Mekrisuh, Wawute Mekrisuh, Kolo Swuro, Sheku Vero and Muzivo Veswu.
Group C (Khomi): Veneku Nakro, Thave Cürha, Veho Nyenga and Vamuve Dzüdo