Athletes during the NWA Selection Trial at Pele Stadium, Kohima on September 25.
Kohima, September 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) conducted a Selection Trial on September 25, 2025 at Pele Stadium, Rüziezou, D. Khel, Kohima Village. Athletes selected from the trial will participate in the All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation (AITWPF) Selection Trial scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2025 in New Delhi. The winners from the AITWPF trial will represent the Indian team at the UWW World Belt Wrestling Championship 2025 and the 1st World Naga Wrestling Championship 2025 to be held from November 15 to 23 in Kohima, Nagaland.
The inaugural programme of the Selection Trial was chaired by Viketouzo Meyase, Vice President (General), NWA. The invocation was pronounced by Suiteigongle Zeliang, Youth Director, Zeme Baptist Church Kohima. The presidential address was delivered by Vivolie Kezo, President, NWA, and the administration of oath was led by Vekhriyi Chuzho, Technical Secretary.
In his presidential address, Kezo extended his appreciation to Adilet Bayaman Uulu, President of World Alysh Federation, for supporting the initiative of NWA and AITWPF under the leadership of President Omarmukhtar Tamboli for bringing the UWW World Belt Wrestling Championship 2025 and the 1st World Naga Wrestling Championship 2025 to Kohima, Nagaland. Kezo also expressed his “profound gratitude to the Government of Nagaland under the dynamic leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Shri. Abu Metha, Secretary General, Nagaland Olympic Association for supporting the initiative to host the UWW World Belt Wrestling Championship & the 1st World Naga Wrestling Championship 2025.” He further encouraged the players “to avail such opportunities” and wished them the best of luck for the upcoming events.
All NWA units were allowed to field four athletes in each category for Senior Men and Women, and Under-17 Cadet Boys and Girls. The following athletes were selected from the trial to represent NWA at the AITWPF Trials:
Senior Men:
100+ Kg - Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü
100 Kg Below - Venuzo Dawhuo, Huluyi D. Vadeo, Venuh Vadeo
(Wild Card)
90 Kg Below - Thuputha Hesüh, Vevokho Ruho
80 Kg Below - Seyiejalie Gwirie, Azhalhou Kire, Kuvenu Puro (Wild Card), Nlumrai Hegwang (Wild Card)
70 Kg Below - Wecho Watsa,
Külüvezo Soho
60 Kg Below - Ngosa Tunyi, Thehiechülie Metha
Senior Women:
75+ Kg - Vikehenuo Zumvü, Khrielhounuo Thevo
75 Kg Below - Luthulü Vezüh
70 Kg Below - Thejaneinuo Thevo
65 Kg Below - Haizuyile Zeliang
60 Kg Below - Vizoseno Kiso
55 Kg Below - Vekhonielü Cürhah, Nosezonu Kuotsu
Cadet Boys:
55 Kg Below - Thejanguzo Pfukha, Thepfukedo Kimho
Cadet Girls:
65 Kg Below - Külüthi Venuh
60 Kg Below - Kevilekhu Peki
45 Kg Below - Helivi Sheqi
