All is set for the 3rd edition of Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State which kicks off on November 3rd.
The 3rd Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics commences from the 3rd to 10th November 2024
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali affirmed that the Classics is the longest-running wrestling tournament in the country.
The Olympic Champion explained that the federation has received indications from more than 20 states including military and paramilitary organisations.
Igali highlighted that this year’s edition will feature improved organisation compared to the previous one, thanks to the participants’ enthusiasm and interest, as well as the nation’s disappointing performance in the last Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The World Champion remarked, ‘It is well-documented that the Governor Douye Diri Classics is the most consistent and longest-running wrestling championship in Nigeria. The Governor has demonstrated a strong commitment to wrestling and has financially supported the Nigeria Wrestling Federation in various international championships.’
“Many states are eager to participate in the Classics, and the athletes are hungry for glory. For the military organizations, the Classics will serve as a training opportunity ahead of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja. For the states, it will act as a screening exercise for the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.”
He asserted that the 3rd Gov Douye Diri Wrestling Classics would witness freestyle, Greco-Roman female styles, and senior wrestling.
He explained that freestyle and Greco-Roman will have ten weight classes, with an inclusion of five Junior and cadet classes making it a total of forty-five weight classes.
While appreciating Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support towards the development of sports in the last four years, the Olympian noted that Bayelsa remains the most successful wrestling state in the country, pointing out that the state has produced eighty- two gold medals in the continent.
He further noted that Bayelsa boasts 82 African champions who have collectively earned 138 medals at the continental level, including four Commonwealth gold medalists, an Olympic silver medalist, and a 19-time Olympian, solidifying the state’s reputation as the home of wrestling.
More than 750 athletes, along with 80 coaches and 50 officials from all 36 states of the federation, as well as military and paramilitary groups, will compete for glory.
