Senapati, Oct 14: The 3rd Edition of the District-Level Junior Naga Indigenous Wrestling Championship 2025, held in memory of Sepoy K. Ashuli, Vir Chakra (Posthumous), commenced on Tuesday at the Astro Turf Ground in Senapati district, Manipur. The event is organised by the Senapati District Wrestling Association, Manipur (SDWAM) and sponsored by the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army.
To be held from October 14 to 16, 2025, the championship builds on the remarkable success of previous editions and aims to promote traditional sports, preserve Naga cultural heritage, and foster unity and camaraderie among the youth of the region.
The competition is open to male participants aged 10 to 20 years across three weight categories — under 55 kg (Lightweight), 55–65 kg (Middleweight), and above 65 kg (Heavyweight). The event seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent in Naga Indigenous Wrestling, providing a platform that promotes sportsmanship, discipline, and cultural pride.
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Honouring the memory of Sepoy K. Ashuli, Vir Chakra (Posthumous) — after whom the championship is named — the organisers paid tribute to his courage and sacrifice.
Sepoy Ashuli hailed from Makhan Centre in Senapati district and served with distinction in the 1 NAGA Regiment. During the Kargil War of 1999, he displayed exceptional bravery while assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position known as Black Tooth. Despite intense enemy fire and treacherous terrain, he volunteered to lead his comrades, scaling the cliff and engaging the enemy at close quarters. His fearless action enabled his team to capture the objective, though he made the supreme sacrifice in the process.
For his extraordinary courage and devotion to duty, Sepoy K. Ashuli was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, one of India’s highest gallantry honours. His valour continues to inspire generations, symbolising the indomitable spirit and selfless service that define the Indian Armed Forces.
In his welcome address, R.K. Gideon, General Secretary of SDWAM, remarked that the “long-awaited time has finally come,” adding that “the year feels incomplete without the dust and glory of wrestling.” He lauded the wrestlers as “men of honour,” saying that wrestling is “not merely combat but a great test of strength, respect, and brotherhood.”
Through this initiative, the Indian Army reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth and promoting traditional sports as a bridge of friendship and mutual respect between the Armed Forces and local communities.
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A total of 55 wrestlers are participating in this year’s championship, 20 in the lightweight, 23 in the middleweight, and 12 in the heavyweight categories. The event has drawn enthusiastic participation and large crowds, transforming the championship into a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community spirit.