NWA officials with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at his Official Residential Office.
Kohima, August 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) met with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, at his Official Residential Office today.
During the meeting, the NWA outlined its plans and activities, seeking the Chief Minister’s support in promoting wrestling across the state and beyond.
In a press statement issued by NWA Joint Secretary Kuzhovesa Soho, the association shared its proposal to introduce wrestling training and coaching camps to non-participating tribes and communities in Nagaland. These camps will cover Naga-style wrestling, as well as national and international wrestling styles, and are expected to take place in September and October this year.
The initiative aims to provide a platform for young, potential wrestlers to integrate into the mainstream Naga wrestling community. It also seeks to motivate them to participate in the upcoming International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship in December and the Open Naga Wrestling Championship in February 2025. The NWA is also considering organizing a separate state-level Naga wrestling championship for non-participating communities after the Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2025.
The NWA further discussed plans to elevate the 17th International Hornbill Naga Wrestling 2024 by collaborating with the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival. The association hopes to invite wrestlers from mainland India and abroad and is considering holding the championship at Khuochiezie, depending on the situation’s feasibility.
Other topics discussed with the Chief Minister included the proposed organization of the Asian Belt Wrestling Championship in November 2024, the construction of a state wrestling stadium, and the establishment of an NWA office.
The NWA expressed its gratitude to the Chief Minister for his positive response to their proposals. Rio conveyed his happiness over the initiative to reach out to non-participating wrestling communities and assured his support for the NWA’s upcoming endeavors.
The NWA delegation was led by its President, Vivolie Kezo, and included Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye and Advisor CAWD & Taxes Kudecho Khamo.
