Officials along with the participants during the State-Level Wrestling Championship 2026-cum- selection trials held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Viswema, under Kohima district, on October 20.
Kohima, October 21 (MExN): The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), under the aegis of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, held the State Level Wrestling Championship 2026-cum-final selection trials for the 39th National Games 2027 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Viswema, under Kohima district, on October 20.
According to a statement issued by the NWA Media Cell, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, graced the championship as the special guest. He encouraged wrestlers to move forward with discipline, dedication and punctuality, stating that various opportunities lay ahead for them. He was accompanied by Joint Director Nyuwitho Nyuthe.
The championship-cum-selection trials witnessed wrestlers competing in freestyle, Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling categories.
The NWA expressed gratitude to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for providing three sets of world-class wrestling mats and gym equipment worth more than Rs 2 crore. It also thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for extending support to the association in cash, kind and resources, as well as the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland.
In freestyle wrestling, Aswayibo won gold in the 57 kg category, followed by Kelesato with silver and Kevizhalie with bronze. In the 65 kg category, Kaiswang Nring secured gold, Shevozo Thuluo silver, while Irangbe Ilunglung and Keluto Kapuh won bronze medals.
Meleciyi claimed gold in the 74 kg category, with Medoselhou Kuotsu taking silver and Khrutuzo Medeo and Kedalo Tep winning bronze. In the 86 kg category, Peinachi Kegwang Kereu won gold, Visazo Zhale silver, and Yo Kezo and Kikhrukhrielie Kehie bronze.
Pakingsongwibo Ntung won gold and Kevinguzo Nagi silver in the 97 kg category, while Venuto Nyekha claimed gold in the 125 kg category.
In Greco-Roman wrestling, Thejanguzo Pfukha won gold and Takoye Sharu silver in the 60 kg category. Vekru Khamo secured gold in the 67 kg category, followed by Rukuvotso Sapu with silver and Velotsu Sapu and Setuzo Nienu with bronze.
Keneiselie Khawakhrie won gold in the 77 kg category, while Kuvenu Puro took silver and Nubasa Rhakho bronze. In the 87 kg category, Pukiye G. Shohhe claimed gold, Lumthsa L. Sangtam silver, and Sumika Bosco and Kikhrukhrielie Kehie bronze. Venuzo Dawhuo won gold and Lhuzoto Veswu silver in the 97 kg category.
In women’s wrestling, Helevi Sheqi won gold in the 50 kg category, with Vekhulu Kezo taking silver. Vekhonielu Curhah claimed gold in the 67 kg category. In the 68 kg category, Cuhulu Hiese won gold, Noang Chemden silver and Chenyang Mongsen bronze.
Earlier, NWA Publicity Secretary Er. Seyielhouvi Nagi chaired the programme, while NWA President Vivolie Kezo delivered the keynote address. Krovil Bendict Vistu, senior catechist of St Joseph Catholic Church, Viswema, invoked God’s blessings for the championship.
The two-month-long coaching camp also concluded on Tuesday. The selected wrestlers will undergo further training outside the state in preparation for the national-level competition.
