[2][3] Kene is played by the Tenyi–mi ethnic group of the Nagas—Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliangrong of Nagaland & Mao, Maram and Poumai of Manipur.
The construction of the highway between Kohima and Imphal in the 1930s and 1940s brought together many Tenyimi villagers to participate in the road construction to earn some cash as it was a burden to pay house tax to the British regime as cash was scarce at that time.
[5] Traditionally, the match takes place within a circular ring, filled with mounded dirt.
At the start of the match both the contestants holds each other in a grappling position, in which each wrestler is grabbing the other's by their belt.
The Naga Wrestling Championship organized by the Nagaland Wrestling Association is held biennially but only the Angamis, Chakhesangs and Zeliangs are affiliated to the NWA because the Nagas of Manipur were restricted to participate in the tournament by the Government of Manipur.