Pukiye Shohe becomes 1st NWA Provisional Wrestling Champion; Metha wins U-15 title
In a historic debut, Pukiye Shohe of the Sumi Wrestling Association emerged as the champion of the 1st Provisional Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026, while Menuokhriezo Metha of Angami Wrestling Association claimed the title in the Under-15 category. The championships were held at the Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on March 6 under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) as part of the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026 and the 1st Wrestling Festival.
The Provisional Category was introduced for the first time in the championship, with six provisional units participating in the championship. Pukiye Shohe (Sumi) secured the title and received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Yankithung Shitiri (Lotha) finished as runner-up and received Rs 1 lakh, while Lumthsa Sangtam secured the third position and Jochuhyu Semy (Rengma) placed fourth, receiving Rs 80,000 and Rs 60,000 respectively.
The Provisional Championship featured eight wrestlers each from six provisional units of the NWA: Lotha Wrestling Association, Sumi Wrestling Association, Pochury Wrestling Association, Rengma Wrestling Association, Chang Wrestling Association and Sangtam Wrestling Association.
In the Under-15 category, Menuokhriezo Metha (Angami) emerged as champion and received Rs 1 lakh, while Mudoto Dozo (Chakhesang) finished as runner-up with Rs 80,000. Kütho Puro (Chakhesang) secured the third position and Chüre Pohena (Chakhesang) placed fourth, receiving Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.
Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along attended the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026 and the 1st NWA Wrestling Festival 2026 as the inaugural guest.
Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along attends event, calls wrestlers ambassadors of Naga culture
In his address, Along expressed happiness at the progress made by Naga traditional wrestling over the years. He said promoting the sport is not only the responsibility of the association but also of the Naga youth and the community. He added that wrestlers representing the sport today serve as ambassadors who can inspire younger generations.
The minister observed that Nagaland is making progress not only in wrestling but in various other fields as well. He said Nagas are naturally physically fit and emphasised the need to encourage the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth. Along added that sports today can bring recognition as well as economic opportunities, noting that success in sports brings pride to families and the state while also improving the livelihoods of players.
Speaking on the significance of Naga traditional wrestling, he said the sport is increasingly gaining recognition beyond the Naga community and among wrestling enthusiasts across the country. He described it as both a cultural product and a way of life for the Nagas, reflecting their strength, courage and traditions.
