A four-member Naga wrestling team will represent the Indian Belt Wrestling team under the aegis of the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) at the UWW Asian Belt Wrestling Championship 2026, scheduled to be held on April 13 and 14, 2026, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The team is led by Vivolie Kezo, President of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), and comprises prominent Naga wrestlers Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (100+ kg category, freestyle and classic), Venuzo Dawhuo (below 100 kg category, freestyle and classic), and Nlumrai Hegwang (below 80 kg category, freestyle).
The team will depart from Dimapur on April 11 and is expected to return on April 17, 2026.
The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) has expressed gratitude to Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, for sponsoring the team. The association also acknowledged the Minister’s initiative to promote Naga wrestling and efforts to include it in the World Nomad Games 2026, to be held later this year in Bishkek.
The NWA has appealed to the wrestling fraternity and the general public to extend their support and encouragement to the team for the championship.
