Bayelsa ready to host 4th Gov. Diri National Wrestling Championship - Igali
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Hon Daniel Igali, has stated in clear terms the readiness of Bayelsa State to host the nation as the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship is set to take centre stage.
Bayelsa ready to host 4th Gov. Diri National Wrestling Championship - Igali
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Hon Daniel Igali, has stated in clear terms the readiness of Bayelsa State to host the nation as the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship is set to take centre stage.
The Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, will engage the nation's brimming wrestlers in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, in a national battle on the mat slated for December 1 to 20, 2025.
Speaking at a world press conference in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Igali stated that Bayelsa will host one of the most glamorous championships it has ever had due to the passion and sporting drive of Governor Douye Diri.
He noted that Governor Diri has consistently sponsored initiatives of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, thus his confidence in a better championship this year.
"In every year from 2009, the state has hosted this competition, and under His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, this happens to be the 4th edition, and we are hoping this will probably be one of the better organised competitions we've ever had," Igali said.
The member of the World Wrestling Governing body (UWW) highlighted new changes and additions to this year's edition.
"This year we've added three more weight categories to what used to be twelve weight categories in each style, totalling fifteen in women's wrestling, fifteen in Greco-Roman, and fifteen in men's freestyle, while in the u15 there are five new weight categories.
"This is because we believe we need to invest a lot more in our younger athletes who are the future of Nigerian wrestling," he noted.
Igali also confirmed that for the first time, the championship will feature traditional wrestling, now called beach wrestling, which will see four weight classes in men and women battle for supremacy.
According to him, the wrestling championship will take place at the Samson Siasia Stadium, while Beach Wrestling will be held at Bayelsa Medical University grounds, Imgbi Road, Amarata, all located in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Meanwhile, the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship will see delegates arrive on December 12, with hostility beginning on December 14, 2025.