The Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali, has described the introduction of beach wrestling as a significant step towards the development of the sport in Nigeria.
Igali told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Thursday that beach wrestling had already been featured at the Youth Olympic Games.
He noted that the state had reinforced its status as Nigeria’s wrestling hub as Yenagoa hosts the fourth edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classic, with beach wrestling introduced at a national championship.
According to him, the discipline is also being considered by the United World Wrestling for inclusion in future Olympic Games.
“This is an opportunity for Nigeria to key into a growing global sport and develop athletes that can compete internationally,” he said.
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NAN reports that the championship began on Thursday in Yenagoa with beach wrestling events.
The tournament is organised by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
It has attracted athletes from across the country, while also providing a platform to showcase emerging talents.
Vice President of the federation, Chris Amkpila, said the competition was crucial for talent discovery and development.
He added that events such as the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classic offer young wrestlers the opportunity to display their abilities and attract both national and international scouts.
“We are going to identify the talents here, nurture them and take them to the international level,” he said.
NAN reports that beach wrestling, a fast-growing global variant of the sport, has emerged as one of the highlights of the championship, with athletes competing on sand in keenly contested bouts.
Team Cross River was among the standout performers in the new category, recording early victories in the competition.
Deborah Ubana of Cross River opened proceedings with a victory over Blessing Apeh of Rivers State in the women’s 60kg category.
Cross River further extended its dominance as Inah Johnson secured another win with an impressive performance.
In other results, Gabriel Edet won gold in the men’s 55kg category, while Mbasekei Ubi claimed bronze in the 57kg category.
Agoro Sunday also won bronze in the women’s 49kg category.
NAN reports that the championship, earlier scheduled to hold from Dec. 10 to Dec. 20 last year, was postponed following the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa.
The event, which is now in its fourth edition, will run from March 25 to April 1.
(NAN)
