More than 800 Athletes and 200 Officials are set to participate in the third edition of the Gov. Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics, billed for Nov. 3 to 10, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
The classics, organised by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) in collaboration with the Bayelsa Government, is aimed at boosting the morals of Nigerian wrestlers after the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
Daniel Igali, President of NWF, stated this while addressing newsmen at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Theme” for this year’s edition is ‘Preparing Champions for The Future’.
Igali said that Bayelsa is one of the most successful states in wrestling in the country and Africa.
“Bayelsa has produced 82 gold medalists at the Africa level, so we have 82 time African champions from Bayelsa in wrestling.
” About 138 medals have been won by Bayelsa at the African level; we also have four Commonwealth gold medals and an Olympic silver medal.
“One of the longest running championships will be taking place from Nov. 3 to 10, while wrestling will officially start on Nov. 5 to 9.
“We have so far received over 25 states that have indicated an interest in attending this championship,.
“We have Military and Para-Military organisations that have indicated interest in attending in addition to over 15 wrestling clubs across the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank Gov. Douye Diri who has shown his support to host and push the gospel of sports to the level that we have never seen before.
“So this is definitely the home of wrestling, we also have a 9 time Olympian from Bayelsa.
“We have had people going to the Olympics 19 times from Bayelsa in wrestling alone, so without doubt, there is no sport that comes close to wrestling in terms of achievement.
“Th Comptroller General of Customs, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), have all confirmed their attendance, we are waiting for the confirmation of the Minister of Sports,” he stated. (NAN)
