Minister for Public Health Engineering Department Jacob Zhimomi today said Nagaland needs a unique identity, suggesting that wrestling could serve as a potential defining feature for the state.
Gracing the 15th Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Open Championship as special guest at Khuochiezie, Kohima, organized by the Nagaland Wrestling Association, he expressed delight that Naga-style wrestling has gained momentum over the years, with increased participation from various tribes, whereas it was once primarily practiced by the Tenyimi community.
More than a hundred wrestlers, including 82 men and 20 women, competed in the championship featuring multiple categories, including Men’s Open Category, Men Below 90 Kg, Men Below 75 Kg, Women 60 Kg & Above, and Women Below 60 Kg. Winners in the various categories were awarded cash prizes and medals.
Zhimomi said the NWA has been tirelessly promoting this indigenous sport among all tribes, as a result of which 10 tribes have already established their respective wrestling associations. “With more in the offing, it’s only a matter of time before all tribes embrace this sport, which will ultimately serve as a unifier and as a basis of a common Naga identity,” he said.
“Today is also historic for the fact that we’re witnessing the introduction of the 1st Women’s Open Naga Wrestling Championship and the implementation of the point system,” he also said, calling it a red-letter day.
“As we make headway towards the professional path, I’m hopeful that Naga wrestling will witness even more glorious days in the near future with national and international recognition,” Zhimomi said. He also congratulated the NWA for organizing a spectacular event and hoped its noble efforts in promoting the spirit of brotherhood and unity would not go unnoticed.
Venuzo Dawhuo retains Open title with hat-trick defense
Kohima Local Ground roared with excitement as Venuzo Dawhuo successfully defended his Open Nagaland Wrestling Championship title for the third consecutive time. The reigning champion, who first claimed the title in 2019, once again proved his strength and skill by defeating Kezhaseluo-o Pienyu in the final bout. With this victory, Dawhuo continues his reign, having retained the championship in 2021, 2023, and now 2025.
In a historic moment for Naga wrestling, 18-year-old Khrielhounuo Thevo of Seiyhama Village became the first-ever Women’s Open Naga Wrestling Champion in the 60kg and above category, outmuscling 15-year-old Lütholü Vezhü of Upper Khomi Village. Meanwhile, the below-60kg category saw 20-year-old Vizoseno Kiso from Sakhabama emerge victorious, defeating 14-year-old Kulungolü Nakhro of Thenyizu Village.
15th NWA Open & 1st Women Open Results:
Women Above 60
1st: Khrielhounuo Thevo
2nd: Lütholü Vezhü
Women Below 60
1st: Vizoseno Kiso
2nd: Külüngolü Nakro
Men Below 75
1st: Müleciyi Vadeo
2nd: Seyiejalie Gwirie
Men Below 90
1st: Sasüyi Nyekha
2nd: Kevizhakho Suokhrie
Men Open Category
1st: Venüzo Dawhuo
2nd: Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü