Wrestlers in action during the Pholami Village Wrestling Meet 2026 held at Pholami village in Phek on January 3.
Pholami, January 3 (MExN): The Pholami Village Wrestling Meet 2026 was successfully conducted at Pholami village in Nagaland by the Pholami Village Council in close coordination with the Assam Rifles on January 3, celebrating the rich indigenous sporting traditions of the Naga people and promoting community participation through sports.
The Assam Rifles actively supported the event by attending the meet and extending full cooperation to ensure its smooth and successful conduct. The coordinated efforts of the Assam Rifles and the Pholami Village Council contributed significantly to maintaining order, encouraging participation and fostering a positive environment throughout the event.
The wrestling meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from local wrestlers as well as large gatherings of spectators, reflecting the deep cultural significance of traditional wrestling in Naga society. Villagers, youth and elders assembled in large numbers, turning the meet into a vibrant display of unity, discipline and cultural pride.
Naga wrestling occupies a unique place in the socio-cultural fabric of Nagaland and is formally institutionalised under the Nagaland Wrestling Association. The Naga Wrestling Championship, organised under its aegis, has been held since 1974 and is now conducted biennially, making it the largest and most prestigious sporting event in the state.
The Pholami Village Wrestling Meet serves as an important grassroots platform for nurturing local talent, preserving traditional sports, and promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship and cultural continuity among the younger generation.
The successful conduct of the event reaffirmed the commitment of the Assam Rifles and the Pholami Village Council to promoting indigenous sports, strengthening community bonds and preserving Nagaland’s unique cultural heritage.
.jpg)
