DIMAPUR, OCT 21 (NPN): The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) organised the State Level Championship 2026-cum-final selection trials for Greco-Roman, freestyle and women’s wrestling at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Viswema, under Kohima district, on Tuesday, as part of preparations for the 39th National Games 2027.
The championship was organised under the aegis of the NWA in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland.
According to a press statement issued by the NWA Media Cell, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose graced the occasion as the special guest, accompanied by Joint Director Nyuwitho Nyuthe.
Addressing the wrestlers, Sekhose encouraged them to move forward with discipline, dedication and punctuality, stating that significant opportunities lay ahead for them in their sporting careers.
The championship-cum-selection trials concluded successfully, with a good number of wrestlers competing for honours across various weight categories in the three disciplines.
The NWA expressed gratitude to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its support, particularly for providing three sets of world-class wrestling mats and gym equipment worth more than Rs 2 crore. The association also thanked Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for extending support in cash, kind and resources, as well as the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for its continued assistance.
In freestyle wrestling, Aswayibo won gold in the 57 kg category, followed by Kelesato Sothu with silver, while Kevizhalie Rhatsu and Keluto Kapuh secured bronze medals. In the 65 kg category, Kaiswang Nring claimed gold, Shevozo Thuluo silver and Irangbe Ilunglung bronze.
Meleciyi emerged champion in the 74 kg category, with Medoselhou Kuotsu taking silver and Khrutuzo Medeo and Kedalo Tep winning bronze medals. In the 86 kg category, Peinachi Kegwang Kereu won gold, Visazo Zhale silver, while Yo Kezo and Kikhrukhrielie Kehie secured bronze.
Pakingsongwibo Ntung clinched gold in the 97 kg freestyle category, with Kevinguzo Nagi taking silver. In the 125 kg category, Venuto Nyekha secured gold.
In Greco-Roman wrestling, Thejanguzo Pfukha won gold in the 60 kg category, followed by Takoye Sharu with silver, while Velotsu Sapu and Setuzo Nienu claimed bronze medals. Vekru Khamo took gold in the 67 kg category, Rukuvotso Sapu won silver and the bronze-medal positions were awarded to the listed competitors.
Keneiselie Khawakhrie emerged champion in the 77 kg category, with Kuvenu Puro taking silver and Nubasa Rhakho and Kikhrukhrielie Kehie winning bronze medals. In the 87 kg category, Pukiye G. Shohe secured gold, Lumthsa L. Sangtam silver and Sumika Bosco bronze. Venuzo Dawhuo won gold in the 97 kg category, while Lhuzoto Veswu took silver.
In women’s wrestling, Helevi Sheqi won gold in the 50 kg category, while Vekhonielu Curhah claimed gold in the 57 kg category, with Vekhulu Kezo securing silver. Cuhulu Hiese emerged champion in the 68 kg category, followed by Noang Chemden with silver and Chenyang Mongsen with bronze.
Earlier, NWA Publicity Secretary Er. Seyielhouvi Nagi chaired the programme, while NWA president Vivolie Kezo delivered the keynote address. Krovil Bendict Vitsu, 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 are expected to undergo further training outside the state shortly as part of their preparation for the 39th National Games 2027.
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