All is now set for the inaugural edition of the Governor Diri National Open Wrestling Championship scheduled for the multiple purpose of hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, and the Enugu State Wrestling Association (ESWA) is confident that its athletes will definitely put up a good representation when hostilities takes center stage.
The championship which is part of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation’s (NWF) agenda for the year is organised in collaboration with the Bayelsa State government to give young wrestlers the platform to showcase their talents and also to create avenue where such talents can be nurtured for both local and international competitions.
In an exclusive interview with sports correspondent, Ugo Okeiyi as the contingent finalises preparations ahead of the championship at the Sports Council, Off Nkponkiti road, Independence Layout, Coach of the Enugu State Wrestling Association, Clement Ejim expressed high level of optimism, adding that they would come back with medals.
Reflecting on how can the combatant sport be improved especially in the state, Godwin Alamiwe Chinye, who is the team captain and also competing in the 63kg of the Gerco Roman category solicits for more support from the government, cooperate bodies and well-meaning individuals to enable athletes to compete favorably in major competitions.
Also speaking, Nwachukwu Chekwubechi, an indigene of Enugu State and a female wrestler in the freestyle category explained that financial motivation, food supplements, drugs, and equipment are essential ingredients for optimal performance, stressing that her experience over time will play a key role in winning medals for the state.
Meanwhile, the maiden competition which is billed to take place from April 27th – 3rd May 2002 will see 15 athletes in 15 categories representing Team Enugu in Yenegoa while the tournament will witness athletes from different states of the federation, the military, paramilitary, clubs will vie for honors in the Senior, Junior and Junior U-15 classes that include Greco-Roman, Women Wrestling and Freestyle Wrestling.
