Igali: 3rd Gov Diri Wrestling Classics, beacon of hope for future Athletes
Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
The president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Hon. Daniel Igali says the 3rd Gov Douye Diri Wrestling Federation classics will provide another opportunity for the nation to discover new talents that will represent the country in the future.
Igali who doubled as Bayelsa State commissioner of Sports development made this known to newsmen at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation held at Golden Tulips Hotel Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital as the championship commences.
He said that the federation has succeeded in institutionalizing the military/Paramilitary tournament christened the Comptroller General of Customs Military National Wrestling championship which inaugural edition climaxed in Abuja last week.
Igali who highlighted the importance of the championship, reiterates the federations commitment to sports development and nurture new wrestlers that will represent the nation in the future, stating that there was need to replace the aged athletes who have given their very best to the nation.
The commissioner asserted that the federation under his watch has adopted wrestling as a competitive discipline in the Nigeria University Games, NUGA, pointing out the NUGA events signifies a vital opportunity for youth, fostering a conducive environment for talent discovery and development.
He explained that the federation in the last 12 years has organized and attended different national, continental and international championships with a lot of podium successes recorded, maintaining that he was pleased with the achievements of the federation.
The Olympian further explained that the wrestling federation in the last twelve years have won a total of 117 gold, 59 silver, 84 bronze totaling 260 medals at the continental and international level describing the feat as remarkable by the federation.
Dr. Igali while congratulating Mallam Shehu Dikko as the chairman National Sports Commission, appreciated governor Douye Diri and past administration for the invaluable contribution to the tournament, saying that steadfast sponsorship by the government will continue to hallmark the prosperity administration legacy in sports development.
Chairman House Committee on Sports Bar. Tare Porri in a remark, said wrestling is one sport that has given Nigeria global recognition, stressing that he was pleased to witness the impact of wrestling at the global level.
The Lawmaker hailed the wrestling federation’s invaluable contribution to the nation, stating that laurels won by the nation’s wrestlers speak volumes of the governor Douye Diri support for the federation.
He reiterated the State government commitment to using sports to combat crime as well develop the skills and talents of the youths.
In separate Goodwill messages by the Zonal Coordinator National Sports Commission, South South, Mr. Obong Sylvester- Essiet, First vice president Mr Chris Amkpila and second vice president Dr. Odunola Belo, thanked governor Douye Diri for the unparalleled love for sports development.
The 3rd Gov Diri wrestling and classics and overall 13th National Wrestling Classics has officially commenced with the Junior cadet wrestlers going to the mats with more actions expected from 5th to 9th of November, 2024.
