Aizawl, October 2026: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today attended the Mizo Inchai Title Fight organised by the Mizoram Wrestling Association at the LPS Arena.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the Mizo people are a community that has always valued physical strength. They have excelled in various forms of combat, outdoor activities and manual work, earning the admiration and appreciation of society. However, lifestyles have changed over time, and so have people's priorities.
He emphasised that preserving the identity and traditions of the Mizo community is the responsibility of the younger generation, and traditional Mizo sports must continue to be promoted and kept alive.
He cited the examples of Japan, where Sumo wrestling continues to be held in high regard, and Thailand, where Muay Thai is actively preserved and promoted. Wrestling, he noted, was practised by the ancient Greeks as early as 700 BC and remains a prominent discipline in the Olympic Games. In fact, wrestling may well be the only Mizo traditional sport that features as an Olympic discipline.
The Chief Minister urged people to value and promote the sport and use Olympic-style wrestling training facilities to bring recognition and honour to Mizoram and the Mizo community. Referring to the government's efforts with an eye on the 2036 Olympic Games, he said initiatives were also being undertaken to promote wrestling.
He further announced that the government would consider providing the Mizoram Wrestling Association with the requested practice mats and competition wrestling mats.
Besides four freestyle wrestling exhibition matches, the event featured the Mizo Inchai Women's Title Fight and Men's Title Fight.
In the Women's Title Fight, reigning champion Lalhmangaihsangi of Saichal, Zemabawk, defeated challenger Zodinpuii of Ramtha, Lunglei, to successfully retain her title.
In the Men's Title Fight, reigning champion Lalsangliana of Upper Republic defeated challenger Lalremtluanga of Chhangte, Zobawk, Lunglei, to retain his title.
