Sports minister Sunday Dare said he was impressed by the participants at the maiden Governor Diri National Wrestling Classics on Tuesday in Yenagoa.

Mr Dare said at the closing ceremony of the events that he was particularly impressed by the skills and level of competitiveness exhibited at the competition.

“My last visit to Bayelsa was during the final trials and preparations for the Olympics in Tokyo. I did say it then that they would do us proud and indeed wrestling gave us our highest medal,” stated Mr Dare. “The first Olympic medal in wrestling in the history of Nigeria. Even then I had no doubts in mind that Bayelsa would continue to remain the capital of wrestling in Nigeria and today’s event is a testimony to that.”

He noted that the “wrestling glory” of Nigeria was planted in Bayelsa.

“We have seen our stars come from the nook and cranny of this state. We’ve seen it attract some great talents across the country. This tournament is a testament that Bayelsa is the wrestling industry for Nigeria. I thank all the athletes that took part in the competition,” he added. 

According to the sports minister, having 28 states and 16 clubs compete is commendable and laudable for a maiden edition of the tournament.

“This is a massive success with over 300 wrestlers. This is heart warming, inspiring  and the future is indeed bright for wrestling in Nigeria. This tournament had 39 categories and it’s a huge one,” he stressed. “It gives me joy to see that Olympian Odunayo Adekuoroye now has a younger sister in the person of Mercy Adekuoroye, also wrestling and won a gold medal.”

He expressed confidence that the selection of wrestlers to represent Nigeria at the African Championships in Morocco would be made among the participants.

The competition commenced on April 29 at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex with participants from 25 states, including FCT, 16 clubs.

The states included Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo,   Oyo, Cross River, Lagos, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ogun, Enugu, Benue, Edo, Kwara and Kano. Others are Ebonyi, Sokoto, Plateau, Adamawa, Kaduna, Ekiti , Anambra, Borno, Osun, and FCT.

The  clubs are NSCDC, Burutu, Cashin, Road Park, Dynamite, Nigerian Army, Owobiko, FRSC,  NSCDC  Academy, Ogbia, Purity, Joe Oziti, Nigeria Police, Robinson, Atula and Asoama Sports Academy. 

(NAN)