The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) has selected 15 wrestlers to represent the association at the United World Wrestling (UWW) World Wrestling Championship 2026 following a trial selection held at Viswema Multipurpose Hall on October 24.
The championship, featuring Alysh and Naga Wrestling, is scheduled to be held in Goa from December 14 to 20, with the All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation (AITWPF) hosting the event and NWA serving as co-host. More than 20 countries are expected to participate in the championship.
The selection trials drew 66 wrestlers competing across various weight categories in the senior, under-17 and under-15 divisions. Of them, 15 were selected for the NWA team.
Nagaland Taekwondo Association president Pele Khezhie, who attended the event as special guest, encouraged the athletes to uphold sportsmanship and unity while striving for excellence at national and international levels. He also commended the NWA for promoting Naga wrestling internationally and including women in the sport.
In his keynote address, NWA president Vivolie Kezo thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his support in promoting Naga wrestling on the international stage. He also expressed gratitude to the AITWPF and UWW for including the traditional sport in the 2026 world championship.
Kezo said Naga wrestling had traditionally been practised among the Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang tribes for more than 50 years. With the inclusion of provisional units representing the Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, Pochury, Chang and Sangtam tribes, nine Naga tribes are now participating in the sport.
The inaugural programme was chaired by NWA general secretary Kenlum Hemang. Eno Dzüvingol Sothu, associate pastor of Christian Revival Church, Viswema, offered the invocation, while NWA property secretary Rangilang Ikierembe administered the oath.
CATEGORY SELECTED WRESTLER
SENIOR MEN (-74 KG) KENEISELIE KHAWAKHRIE
SENIOR MEN (-82 KG) NUBASA RHAKHO
SENIOR MEN (-90 KG) VEVOKHO RÜHO
SENIOR MEN (-100 KG) VENUZO DAWHUO
SENIOR MEN (-110 KG) VENÜ VADEO
SENIOR MEN (110+ KG) KEZHASELUO-O PIENYÜ
SENIOR WOMEN (-60 KG) VEKHONIELU CÜRHAH
SENIOR WOMEN (-66 KG) VIZOSENO KISO
SENIOR WOMEN (-73 KG) CÜHÜLU HIESE
SENIOR WOMEN (73+ KG) KHRIELHOUNUO THEVO
UNDER -17 BOYS (-65 KG) KEVILETUO KHRO
UNDER -17 BOYS (-72 KG) METSEILHOUKHO ZHÜNYÜ
UNDER -17 BOYS (-80 KG) VIDIL SACHÜ
UNDER – 15 BOYS (-54 KG) MHASIKEDO VIMERHA
UNDER – 15 BOYS (-60 KG) VEMUKRE PURO
