The Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali, has stated that the state is ready to host the nation as the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship kicks off in Yenagoa, from December 12- 20, 2025.
The wrestling championship is being held by the state government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
Speaking at a world press conference in Yenagoa, Igali opined that the state will host one of the most glamorous championships it has ever had, attributing this to the passionate and sporting drive of Governor Douye Diri.
He noted that Gov. Diri has consistently sponsored initiatives of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, thus his confidence of a better championship this year.
“Every year from 2009, the state has hosted this competition and under His Excellency, this happens to be the 4th edition and we are hoping this would be probably one of the better organised competitions we’ve ever had,” Igali said.
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“This year, we’ve added three more weight categories to what used to be 12 weight categories in each style, totaling 15 in women’s wrestling, 15 in Greco-Roman and 15 in men’s freestyle, while in the U-15 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 Nigeria wrestling.”
Also, Igali confirmed that for the first time, the championship will feature traditional wrestling now called beach wrestling, which will see four weight classes in the men and women category.
The commissioner said the wrestling championship will take place at the Samson Siasia Stadium, while the beach wrestling will be held at the Bayelsa Medical University grounds, Imgbi Road, Amarata all located in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
