Author T. Keditsu Champions Indigenous Storytelling with ‘Wrestling Day’

Kohima, April 16: As part of the White Owl Book Fair, author and academic T. Keditsu launched her new children’s book called Wrestling Day today. It is a story that blends cultural heritage with themes of friendship, perseverance, and identity. The book was launched at The Heritage, Kohima. The book was jointly released by special guest, Director of Information & Public Relations, Dzuvinuo Theünuo, along with Venüzo Dawhuo, NWA Open, Naga Wrestling Champion, 2025.

At the launch of Wrestling Day, Dzuvinuo Theünuo praised the book as a creative and impactful contribution to children’s literature. She emphasized the complexity of writing for young audiences, noting the unique challenge of addressing both children and adults within a single narrative. In her view, author Dr. T. Keditsu managed this balance with notable success.

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Theünuo also drew attention to the book’s vibrant illustrations and its use of colour, underscoring how effective visual storytelling can enhance a child’s reading experience. She highlighted that crafting a children’s book often demands the same level of effort and dedication as writing a full-length novel for adults. She expressed her appreciation for the author’s work and encouraged continued literary contributions of similar value.

The annual event at Khuochiezie Ground has long drawn large crowds, and its significance remains deeply embedded in the collective memory of the region, she said. She further commented on the admiration and fascination for the sport, which is so deeply ingrained in the Tenyimia community.

In addition, Theünuo acknowledged the efforts of Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl, for organizing the Book Fair that hosted the launch. She stressed the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of reading and making books more accessible to both young and older generations in Nagaland.

At the event, the author T. Keditsu reflected on the fading presence of indigenous sports like Naga wrestling in contemporary society. She highlighted the impact of formal education systems and class divides on the preservation of traditional practices, emphasizing the need for cultural storytelling, especially for children.

The author positioned children’s literature as a vital tool for language development and cultural awareness, underlining the role of adults in helping young readers see their own communities and values represented in stories. The book is also a personal tribute to her own childhood and the vibrant wrestling culture of her neighbourhood and is dedicated to her grandfather.

With Wrestling Day, T. Keditsu invites readers to rediscover the importance of tradition through an engaging, age-appropriate story that ties together body, mind, and cultural memory.

Addressing the gathering on the theme “My Journey in Naga Wrestling,” Kezhalelie Keretsü, Managing Director of Bout Lords Nagaland, extended his congratulations to author T. Keditsu for the launch of her children’s book Wrestling Day. He acknowledged the book’s thoughtful portrayal of the often-overlooked contributions of women within Naga society, particularly in the context of traditional wrestling.

Keretsü noted that the story of a brother and sister featured in the book reflects the reality of how women have long supported wrestling from the sidelines, often without recognition in male-dominated cultural narratives.

Over the course of his career, Keretsü went on to win several championships, culminating in his securing of the NWA title in 2012 at the age of 36. Despite his achievements, he emphasized the limitations that traditional taboos placed on women, particularly their exclusion from participating in or even being present around wrestling arenas. While many of these restrictions have lessened over time, he acknowledged that underlying societal attitudes remain.

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He also recognized the contributions of visionary leaders in the Naga Wrestling Association for their role in advancing the sport both nationally and internationally. Under their leadership, Naga wrestling has gained recognition and is now on the path toward broader acknowledgment, including the prospect of Olympic inclusion.

Keretsü’s remarks underscored the evolving landscape of indigenous sport in Nagaland and the importance of inclusive storytelling in preserving and promoting cultural identity.

Director and proprietor of The White Owl, Viketuno Rio, shared insights into the journey of the White Owl Book Fair during its recent event in Kohima. Established in 2022 in Chumoukedima, The White Owl was founded with the goal of rekindling a love for reading, writing, and listening through engaging literary experiences.

The initiative hosted its first White Owl Festival in 2023, with the second edition following in February 2025. It was through this festival that the concept of a travelling book fair was developed—an outreach programme aimed at delivering thoughtfully curated books and immersive literary activities to readers across Nagaland.

She further mentioned that after Kohima, the book fair is set to continue to Mokokchung. While the team has already visited multiple schools in Kohima, the current event marks their first time hosting a public literary fair in the city, expanding their efforts to make literature more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. The book fair will continue in Kohima till 19th April, and it will begin on 21st April at Mokokchung. With over 3,000 titles on display, the fair offers a wide range of books, especially children’s literature, along with attractive discounts—including 15% off all book sales, 40% off Christian literature, 20% off for school libraries, and 15% off bulk pre-orders of Bibles. Free pins, badges, and bookmarks are also being given away.

The book, illustrated by Rishita Loitongbam and published by Duckbill Books, is part of the popular “Hook Book” series aimed at children aged 5 and above. Set in Nagaland, Wrestling Day follows the journey of Aneingu, a young girl preparing to wrestle for the first time, and her friend Areiu, who supports her throughout the experience. The narrative draws from the traditional sport of Naga wrestling, offering young readers a window into a unique cultural practice.

(Newmai News Network)