Kohima, March 10 (MExN): Former sports administrator K Puroh has called for a balanced approach in Nagaland wrestling, stressing the need to preserve traditional Naga wrestling while simultaneously developing Olympic-style disciplines to enable athletes to compete at national and international levels.
In an article titled “Nagaland Wrestling: Beyond the Roar, Building for the Podium,” Puroh noted that while the recently concluded 30th Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association drew massive crowds and reflected the sport’s deep cultural significance, such popularity alone does not create pathways for athletes to compete on the global stage.
He pointed out that traditional Naga wrestling operates outside the competitive framework recognised by bodies such as the Wrestling Federation of India and United World Wrestling, unlike Olympic disciplines like freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. As a result, champions from traditional tournaments currently have no route to represent the state or country at recognised competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or the Olympic Games.
Puroh said podium finishes in global competitions are the true indicators of sporting progress, achieved through systematic training, scientific coaching and participation in recognised national and international events. The large turnout at the 30th championship, he observed, highlighted a paradox—while it demonstrates strong cultural vitality, it also exposes a strategic gap in sports development.
He warned that when athletic talent remains confined to traditional formats outside the global structure, promising youth may miss opportunities to progress beyond local recognition.
Calling for a two-pronged strategy, Puroh emphasised that traditional wrestling should continue to be preserved as an important part of Naga identity, while structured programmes for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling must also be developed.
He said the Nagaland Wrestling Association, in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association and the state government, should invest in scientific training systems that can help produce athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.
Puroh, a former athlete and sports administrator, had served as president of the Nagaland Wrestling Association from 1992 to 2000, joint secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India from 2002 to 2006, and vice president of the WFI from 2006 to 2010. He also managed the Indian contingent at the XXVIII Trofeo Milone Greco-Roman Wrestling and the first Olympic qualifying tournament in Rome in 2008.
He said while large crowds celebrate sporting moments, podium finishes ultimately create history and inspire future generations.
