Kohima, March 7 (WE THE NAGAS): Neiphiu Rio described Naga Traditional Wrestling as a celebration of the identity, heritage and indomitable spirit of the Naga people while gracing the 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship-cum-1st Wrestling Festival 2026 as the special guest at Khuochiezie on Friday.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister termed Naga wrestling a living heritage passed down from the forefathers. He said the sport goes beyond a mere test of physical strength and represents a test of character, discipline and integrity. According to him, the championship has brought people together through culture, sports and a shared identity.
Appreciating the efforts of the Nagaland Wrestling Association, Dr Rio commended the organisation for preserving and promoting the indigenous sport while safeguarding its traditional essence. He also expressed happiness that the sport has expanded beyond the Tenyimi areas and spread to other parts of the state. Calling wrestlers ambassadors of Naga culture, he encouraged them to constantly improve and push beyond their personal limits.
On the occasion of the 30th edition of the championship, the Chief Minister called upon the people to renew their commitment to preserving traditional practices while embracing progress.
Dr Rio also reiterated that the state government remains committed to promoting sports infrastructure and supporting indigenous games alongside modern sporting disciplines. He added that the government will continue creating opportunities for young sportspersons to compete at regional, national and international levels.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed financial assistance of ₹1,00,000 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 programme was attended by several dignitaries including Deputy Chief Ministers Yanthungo 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, who attended the programme as the honoured guest, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the prestigious event. He said it was an honour to witness the championship reach its 30th edition, marking a major milestone in the promotion of traditional wrestling.
Singh also announced financial assistance for the procurement of equipment to support and strengthen the sport. He assured that proposals related to the development and promotion of wrestling would be approved in the next financial year.
Highlighting the need to promote the sport beyond Nagaland, he said efforts would be made to bring Naga traditional wrestling to the national stage. He expressed confidence that the state would make its mark not only across the country but also at the international level in the coming years.
In his presidential address, President of the Nagaland Wrestling Association, Vivolie Kezo, called on the public to support the wrestlers beyond the arena. He also informed that a felicitation programme for the top performers would be held on March 9. Kezo thanked the Wrestling Federation of India for its continued support and appealed for further assistance in future initiatives.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton expressed pride in being part of the championship alongside Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Kumar Singh. He said Naga traditional wrestling carries the spirit, discipline and pride of the Naga people.
Patton noted that watching the wrestlers step into the arena with determination and respect for the age-old tradition was truly inspiring. He said the enthusiasm of the crowd and the dedication of the athletes reflect how strongly Naga traditions continue to thrive.
The Deputy Chief Minister also appreciated the organisers and volunteers for successfully conducting the event and promoting the indigenous sport. Congratulating all the participants, he commended their courage and sportsmanship.
He further expressed hope that the wrestling festival would continue to grow in the years ahead and inspire the younger generation to carry forward the strength and heritage of Naga traditional wrestling.
The crowd was also treated to a special Angami folk song performance by the Tsahore Group from Khuzama village.
The championship is organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association with support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Tourism Nagaland.
A total of 54 wrestlers are participating in the championship, with 18 wrestlers each from the Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association. The champion will receive a cash prize of ₹6,00,000 along with a plot of land donated by Tepuleho Pusa and family. The second and third place winners will receive ₹3,00,000 and ₹2,00,000 respectively, while the fourth place winner will be awarded ₹1,50,000.
This year’s edition also introduced two new categories—the 1st NWA Under-15 Championship and the 1st NWA Provisional Championship—which were held on March 6 as part of the expanded wrestling festival.