From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
The maiden edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics begins in Yenagoa, with over 500 wrestlers from 30 States and ten clubs in the competition on Friday.
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali while briefing Journalists said, the competition will start with the Under 15 age grade, then Graeco Roman, Free style and female wrestling in seven weight classes each day till the May 3.
The NWF President who doubles as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Bayelsa State stated that arrangements had been concluded for a hitch free tournament billed to end next Tuesday.
According to him, winners at the Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics would represent the country at the forthcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games due to be held in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8 this year.
Igali expressed the hope that the Classics would provide a veritable platform for new competition for the athletes and to prepare them for the Commonwealth Games.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics Silver Medalist, Blessing Oborududu in an interview with Sports Journalists expressed her readiness to defend her national title despite battling with a knee injury.
On the expectation from the tournament, Igali said it would provide a veritable platform for new competition for the athletes and to prepare them for the Commonwealth Games.
He expressed confidence that the Wrestling Classics would make the long Sallah holidays enjoyable for Bayelsans as they would have great moments watching Nigerians wrestlers in action.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics Silver Medalist, Blessing Oborududu in an interview with sports journalists expressed her readiness to defend her national title despite battling with a knee injury.
The Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics begins on Friday with the Under 15 age grade.
Meanwhile Igali has feted the state Para Games athletes for their sterling performance at the first National Para Games held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The state had won 31 gold, 30 silver and 32 bronze medals at the championship to emerge champions.
Igali commended Diri for his support for sports development which has earned the state a place in the Sports community.
“ Bayelsa is currently the home of sports in Nigeria. We have upstaged the bigger names. Hopefully, at the end of the year, we will show our true colours again”.
