Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio described Naga Traditional Wrestling as a celebration of the identity, heritage and indomitable spirit of the Naga people. Addressing the gathering at the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship-cum-1st Wrestling Festival 2026 at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local Ground on March 7, he said the sport is a living heritage passed down from the forefathers.
Rio said Naga wrestling is more than a test of physical strength. According to him, it also reflects character, discipline and integrity. He added that the championship had brought people together through culture, sports and a shared sense of identity.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Nagaland Wrestling Association for preserving and promoting the indigenous sport while maintaining its traditional essence. He expressed happiness that the sport has expanded beyond the Tenyimi areas and is now practiced in other parts of the state. Calling wrestlers ambassadors of Naga culture, he encouraged them to strive for excellence and push beyond their personal limits. On the occasion of the 30th championship, he urged people to renew their commitment to preserving traditions while embracing progress.
Rio also reiterated that the state government remains committed to strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting indigenous games along with modern sporting disciplines. He said the government will continue creating opportunities for young athletes to compete at regional, national and international levels.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Sports Fund to six provisional units: Rengma Wrestling Association, Sumi Wrestling Association, Lotha Wrestling Association, Pochury Wrestling Association, Chang Wrestling Association and Sangtam Wrestling Association. The program was attended by several dignitaries including Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Sharingain Longkumer, advisors, MLAs and other officials.
President of the Wrestling Federation of India Sanjay Kumar Singh, attending as the honoured guest, congratulated the organizers for reaching the 30th edition of the championship. He announced financial assistance for equipment and assured that proposals related to the development and promotion of wrestling would be approved in the next financial year.
The championship, organized by the Nagaland Wrestling Association with support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Nagaland Tourism Department, featured 54 wrestlers with 18 wrestlers each from the Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association.
This year’s edition featured the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship along with two new categories — the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship and the 1st NWA Provisional Championship, which were held on 6th March 2026.
Kezhaseluo Pienyü of Kohima Village successfully defended his title for the second consecutive time, emerging as the champion of the 30th NWA Wrestling Meet 2026 held today at Kohima Local Ground.
Pienyü, 27, won the title for the second time, having previously claimed the 29th Naga Wrestling Championship in 2024 after defeating Vemele Thingo in the final at IG Stadium, Kohima.
This time, Kezhaseluo Pienyü defeated Menuosetuo Yiese, also of Kohima Village, in the final match to secure the title. Venuzo Dawhuo of Thenyizu finished third, while Venu Vadeo of Runguzu Village secured fourth place.
Pienyü, son of the late Thepfusanyü Pienyü, stands 6’3″ tall and weighs 135 kg. Eighteen top wrestlers each from ASA, CWA and ZWA competed in the championship.
The champion received Rs 6 lakh along with a 100 ft × 100 ft plot of land at Chümoukedima donated by Tepuleho Pusa and family of Viswema village. The runner-up received Rs 3 lakh, while the third and fourth place winners received Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh respectively.