Stage set for 1st NWA Under 15, provisional wrestling C’ship in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 5
The 1st NWA Under 15 and 1st NWA Provisional Wrestling Championship 2026 under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) as part of the NWA 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026 and 1st Wrestling Festival 2026 will take place at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on March 6.
Nagaland Tourism & Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along will grace the event of Under 15 & Provisional Championship 2026 on March 6 at 9:00 AM.
The flag hoisting will be led by NWA former president Neikhrolo Khalo with NWA reigning champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyii as torch bearer.
The inaugural programme will be chaired by NWA general secretary Kenlum Hemang while NWA Advisor Er Lhoubeizo Kesiyie will deliver welcome address.
NWA Technical Secretary Vekhriyi Chiizho will administer oath to the wrestlers.
Provisional championship
The 1st Provisional Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026 will feature eight wrestlers each from six provisional units of NWA (Lotha Wrestling Association, Sumi Wrestling Association, Pochury Wrestling Association, Rengma Wrestling Association, Chang Wrestling Association and Sangtam Wrestling Association).
The champion will carry a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh while runner-up will be awarded with Rs 1 lakh. The 3rd and 4th position holders will get Rs 80,000 and Rs 60,000 respectively.
Losing quarter finalists will be awarded with Rs 10,000 each. Other participants will get Rs 5000 each. The best team will pocket Rs 30,000.
Under-15 Championship
The 1st Under 15 Championship 2026 will witness eight wrestlers each from three affiliated units of NWA, comprising Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association will vie for top honour in this category.
The Champion will win a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while the runner-up will receive Rs 80,000.
The third and fourth position will get Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively. Losing quarter finalists will get Rs 10,000 each.
Other participants will also receive Rs 5000 each.
NWA main C’ship on March 7
Meanwhile, the main NWA 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026 has been scheduled for 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 the three affiliated units of NWA (Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association) will vie for this main event.
The Champion will get Rs 6 lakh. In addition to prize money, the champion will also receive 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.
Mentionably, the 1st Wrestling Festival 2026 is powered by Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India and Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
The NWA extends warm invitation to all the wrestling fans to be part of the championship.
