Kohima, Mar 26: The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) will introduce the first-ever Women’s Open Naga Wrestling Championship on March 28 at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground). The event will be held as part of the 15th NWA Open Naga Wrestling Championship, with 29 women wrestlers set to compete, an NWA official confirmed.
NWA President Vivolie Kezo stated that during the association’s first General Assembly (2024-2028 tenure) on July 20, a decision was made to promote Naga wrestling across all 17 tribes of Nagaland and beyond for national and international recognition. Several tribal leaders have responded positively by forming their own wrestling associations.
“This marks the first time in NWA’s history that 129 wrestlers—100 men and 29 women from 10 tribes—will compete in this open championship,” Kezo said. The participating tribes include Angami, Chakhesang, Zeliang, Lotha, Sumi, Pochury, Rengma, Chang, Ao, and Phom.
Kezo also announced that Nagaland is preparing to host the Asian Belt Wrestling Championship with support from the state government, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Nagaland Olympic Association Secretary General Abu Metha. However, for Naga wrestling to gain international recognition under United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it must meet specific criteria, including:
1. Participation of both men and women.
2. Competition in weight categories.
3. Implementation of a point system.
4. Use of wrestling uniforms.
Kezo clarified that traditional Naga wrestling will remain unchanged and will not include women’s participation. However, a modified version called ‘Naga Wrestling’ will be introduced for national and international events, including the Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship and Open Naga Wrestling Championship.
The NWA has announced the categories for the 2025 Open Championship:
Men: Open Category, Below 90 Kg, and Below 75 Kg.
Women: 60 Kg & Above and Below 60 Kg.
The association has called on all Naga communities to support efforts to achieve international recognition while preserving the traditional essence of Naga wrestling.
