A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to facilitate the proposed hosting of the UWW World Belt Wrestling Championship 2026 in India, featuring Alysh Belt Wrestling and Naga Wrestling.
The MoU was signed on September 6 at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, by representatives of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF), World Alysh Federation (WAF) and Asian Alysh Federation (AAF). India has been proposed as the host country for the championship, which is tentatively scheduled to be held from December 14 to 19, 2026.
The agreement is expected to provide an international platform for Naga Wrestling and strengthen its presence on the global wrestling circuit. The proposed championship would bring together traditional wrestling disciplines, including Alysh and Naga Wrestling, in a major international event.
The development comes as a Nagaland Wrestling team led by NWA president Vivolie Kezo is currently in Kyrgyzstan to participate in the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 under the aegis of the AITWPF.
Naga Wrestling was officially demonstrated on September 5 at Kyrgyz Gorge, Kyrgyzstan, under the Demonstration Games category of the World Nomad Games.
The participation and demonstration have provided an opportunity to showcase Naga Wrestling before an international audience and promote the traditional sport beyond Nagaland.
The team is scheduled to return to Nagaland on October 8.
The proposed hosting of the UWW World Belt Wrestling Championship in India is being viewed as a significant development for Naga Wrestling and could create further opportunities for its promotion, recognition and participation at the international level.