The Nigeria Wrestling Federation ¬(NWF) says the 13th National and 3rd Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics will feature over 1000 wrestlers and officials from 20 Clubs, Military and Para Military organizations as well as the 36 States of the federation.
In a press release signed by the President of the NWF, Dr. Daniel Baraladei Igali ahead of the National/Douye Diri Wrestling Classics, 20 Corporate, Military, and Paramilitary Wrestling Clubs across the nation would converge in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital for the tournament, which Igali said is aimed at identifying outstanding wrestlers to win Laurels at both national and international competitions.
Dr. Igali said this third edition of the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics will take place between 3 November, 2024 and 10, November, 2024 at the Samson Siasia Multipurpose Hall with the theme “Preparing Champions for the Future”., where top Nigerian wrestlers in different events, including Freestyle and Greco Roman male and female wrestling, will be showcased.
The tournament is expected to attract local and international participants, coaches, referees, and officials.
According to Igali, who is an Olympic Gold medalist and as well as being the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, the Wrestling Classics is an annual national wrestling showdown in Bayelsa, aimed at promoting, discovering, and developing wrestlers in preparation for international competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
The inaugural edition in 2022 was won by host Bayelsa State, while the 2023 edition was expanded with more international guests and served as a qualifier for the Pre-Olympic World Championship in Serbia, with a total of 500 wrestlers from about 30 states and 10 clubs across the country.
NWF Board Members expected to be in Yenagoa for the National/Douye Diri Wrestling Classics include the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Adewale Adeniyi; Philanthropist and Multi-Billionaire, Chief Emeka Offor; Mr. Christopher Yaba Amkpila, Vice President; Dr. Mrs. Toyibat Odunola Bello, 2nd Vice President; Gen. Fawole Olawale; Dr. Jude Amado Adebola; Sarah Esan; Engr. Magnus Ede.
Also expected are Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborududu; Happiness Burutu; and Abdullahi Ibrahim, among others.
The Wrestling Classics has become a premier event in the Nigerian sports calendar, promoting talent development, national unity, and international competitiveness.
