Winners of 1st NWA Under 15 and 1st NWA Provisional Championship 2026 with officials in Kohima on March 6. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 6
Pukiye G Shohe and Menuokhriezo Metha today emerged the champions of the 1st NWA Provisional Wrestling Championship 2026 and 1st NWA Under 15 Championship respectively, held under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground).
Provisional category
22 years Pukiye G Shohe, son of Ghokiye Shohe from Shesulimi village, representing Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA) emerged the champion title of the 1st NWA Provisional Championship 2026.
He pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh.
29 years Yankithung C. Shitri, son of Chichamo Shitri from Old Changsu, representing Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA) bagged Runner- Up and awarded with Rs. 1 lakh.
Lumthsa L Sangtam (26 years), son of Lithrongchem Sangtam from Singrep, representing Sangtam Wrestling Association (SWA) stood third position and pocketed Rs. 80,000.
Jochuhyu Semy, son of Honma Semy from Rumesinyu, representing Rengma Wrestling Association (RWA) bagged 4th position and awarded with Rs 60,000.
Losing quarter finalists Ahobo Kiho (Sumi WA), Lemba T (Chang Wrestling Association), Sumika Bosco Swu (Sumi WA) and Avika Zhimo (Sumi WA) received Rs 10,000 each.
Sumi WA was adjudged as the best team and awarded with Rs 30,000.
All participants received Rs 5000 each.
This 1st Provisional Championship 2026 witnessed eight wrestlers each from six provisional units of the NWA (Lotha WA, Sumi WA, Pochury WA, Rengma WA, Chang WA and Sangtam WA).
Under 15 category
Menuokhriezo Metha, son of Neilhousalie Metha from Chiechama village representing Angami Sports Association (ASA) emerged the champion title of the 1st NWA Under 15 Championship 2026.
He pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Mudoto Dozo, son of Kudulhuto Dozo from Thüvopisü village, representing Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) stood runner-up and received Rs. 80,000.
Kütho Puro, son of Mulusheyi Puro from Porba village, representing CWA bagged the third position and awarded with Rs. 60,000.
Chüre Pohena, son of Soukho Pohena from Zhavame village, also representing CWA stood 4th position and received Rs. 40,000.
Losing quarter finalists- Mutuve Dozo, Beceve Vero, Bizo Chizo and Zuve-o Keyho, all representing CWA, received Rs. 10,000 each.
All participants received Rs. 5000 each.
Eight wrestlers each from three affiliated units of the NWA, i.e ASA, CWA and Zeliang Wrestling Association vied for top honour in this category.
Wrestling festival to become annual feature
Gracing the event as the inaugural guest, Nagaland’s Tourism & Higher Education minister Temjen Imna Along expressed his delight over the enthusiastic participation of other tribes apart from Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang.
He was optimistic that Ao community will also join the same in the coming years.
He thanked Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for promoting Naga wrestling in a big way and hoped that through his continuous support it will become an international sport discipline one day.
The minister also announced that the 1st Wrestling Festival from this year, powered by Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India and Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, will now become an annual feature to take the Naga wrestling forward.
Earlier, the flag hoisting of the Championship was led by NWA former president Neikhrolo Khalo with NWA reigning champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü as torch bearer.
The inaugural programme was chaired by NWA General Secretary Kenlum Hemang while NWA Advisor Er Lhoubeizo Kesiyie delivered welcome address.
NWA Technical Secretary Vekhriyi Chüzho administered oath to the wrestlers.
NWA main championship today
The main NWA 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026 will take place on March 7.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio will grace the event as the special guest and Sanjay Kumar Singh, President, Wrestling Federation of India as the honoured guest.
18 top wrestlers each from ASA, CWA and ZWA will vie for this main event, starting from 9:00 onwards.
NWA joint secretary Kuzhovesa Soho will chair the inaugural function while NWA president Vivolie Kezo will deliver presidential address.
The Champion will get Rs 6 lakh alongwith a plot of land at Chümoukedima, measuring 100 ftx100 ft, donated by Tepuleho Pusa & Family of Viswema village.
The runner-up will receive Rs 3 lakh while the 3rd and 4th position will get Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.50 lakh respectively.
The losing quarter finalists will receive Rs 20,000 each while other participants will get Rs 10,000 each. The prize money for group champion has been set at Rs 60,000.
Angami Catholic Union will assist the meet as Ground Management team.
Meanwhile, NWA extends warm invitation to all the wrestling fans to be part of the championship.
