Senapati, April 29: The Manipur State Indigenous Open Wrestling Championship 2025 began today at the Senapati Astro Turf Ground. The event is being organized by the Senapati District Wrestling Association, Manipur (SDWAM).
Indigenous wrestling tournaments serve as a vital platform to bring communities together, fostering social cohesion and camaraderie. The sport involves grappling techniques, where opponents engage in physical combat using strength and strategy to overpower one another. It emphasizes respect for opponents, elders, and tradition.
The inaugural function was graced by Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, Commissioner, Sericulture/Horticulture, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest, and Mamoni Doley, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, as the Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, D.S. Masounii, President of SDWAM, stated that indigenous wrestling is an integral part of Naga cultural heritage, showcasing strength, skill, and community bonding. The sport promotes physical fitness, discipline, and mental resilience. He urged all participants to exhibit their abilities with good behavior and discipline throughout the tournament.
R.K. Gideon, General Secretary of SDWAM, highlighted that the association was established in 2000 to preserve and promote traditional games and to organize such events. He noted that in the past, indigenous wrestling was used to resolve conflicts between individuals or even entire villages. The sport fostered peace and provided opportunities to build connections between villages that were once enemies. He praised the association for its tireless efforts in continuing this tradition.
Deputy Commissioner Mamoni Doley remarked that the sport is not only a test of skill and strength but also a rich display of cultural heritage and identity. She expressed pride in the district for hosting such an event, which helps pass ancestral traditions on to future generations. The DC praised the community for keeping their traditions alive despite modern advancements. She emphasized that such events remind people of their roots and serve as a way to showcase local culture to the world. Indigenous wrestling, she said, is about more than physical prowess—it is about unity and rekindling the community spirit. She commended the organizers and assured full support from the district administration. She also expressed hope that the government would expedite the development of the indigenous sports ground to further promote traditional games.
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Speaking as the Chief Guest, Commissioner Thaithuilung Pamei stated that wrestling is one of the most ancient sports, having been featured in the original Greek Olympic Games. He noted that the Poumais, Maos, and Marams—three major tribes in the district—are particularly known for their wrestling traditions. He urged wrestlers to take the sport seriously and pursue it professionally. Emphasizing the importance of training and early talent identification, he advocated for a structured approach, including initiatives like “Catch Them Young,” to groom wrestlers for state, national, and even Olympic levels. He expressed a strong desire to see a world-class wrestler emerge from the district, representing the country on the global stage. Concluding his address, he wished all participants the best and encouraged them to give their best while adhering to the rules.
A total of 58 wrestlers are participating in the championship across four categories:
- 14–15 years: 15 participants
- 16–17 years: 16 participants
- Open category (below 70 kg): 15 participants
- Open category (above 70 kg): 13 participants
The championship will continue until May 2.
The event began with the traditional horn-blowing ceremony, marking the official opening of the championship.