Nagaland Wrestling Association Breaks Ground with First Women's Open Championship

The Nagaland Wrestling Association will host its first Women's Open Naga Wrestling Championship on March 28 during its 15th annual event. With support from local leaders, they aim for national and international recognition for Naga wrestling while maintaining traditional forms. The event will feature 129 participants from 10 tribes.

The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) is set to make history by introducing the inaugural Women's Open Naga Wrestling Championship, taking place on March 28 at the 15th edition of the NWA Open Championship in Kohima's Khuochiezie (local ground). A total of 29 women will participate, with confirmation coming from an NWA official to ANI.

NWA President, Vivolie Kezo, announced the decision in the association's first General Assembly meeting of the 2024-2028 tenure on July 20. The move aims to promote Naga wrestling across Nagaland's 17 tribes and beyond, seeking national and international acclaim. Tribal leaders have shown enthusiasm, establishing their own wrestling associations.

This year's championship will see an unprecedented lineup of 129 wrestlers, comprising 100 men and 29 women from 10 different tribes. With backing from the Nagaland Government, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Nagaland Olympic Association's Secretary General Abu Metha, plans are underway to host the Asian Belt Wrestling Championship. This serves as a step towards gaining recognition under United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), requiring standardized criteria such as gender-inclusion, weight categories, a point system, and designated wrestling costumes.

The traditional essence of Naga wrestling will remain unaffected, albeit a modified version, 'Naga Wrestling,' will be used to meet international standards in competitions like the Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship. Kezo called for unity among all Naga communities to achieve this international recognition while preserving core traditions. The 2025 NWA Open Championship will feature categories for men in Open, Below 90 Kg, and Below 75 Kg divisions, and for women in 60 Kg & above and below 60 Kg divisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)