12 states for Edo state invitational wrestling tourney

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

A total of twelve states will participate in the forthcoming Edo State Amateur invitational tournament scheduled for Monday, August 8- 10, 2022 at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to the chairman of Edo State Wrestling Association, Morris Atula, the championship which will see athletes participate in free style and Greeco- German is part of efforts to develop the sports at the grassroots as well as discover new talents in the mats man game.
“This invitational tournament is part of our efforts at catching them young and develop new talents that will in future bring glory to the country at the international level.
” We also want to use this championship to not only promote the potential of young people but also to equip them with business skills as well as acquient them with social and economic issues which will guide them further in their career.
The former wrestling champion, noted that sports being a unifying factor, the championship will help in cementing cordial relationship among the participating wrestler’s who will storm the Edo State capital from various geo- political zones of the country.
” It’s a well known fact that through sports, bridges of friendship are built. This goes a long way in promoting peace, harmony, collaboration and stimulate responsibility in communities which is what we intend to achieve”, he stressed.
Atula was also full of praises to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his sports loving Deputy, Philip Shuaibu as well as the state’s Sports Commission Chairman, Yusuf Ali for their support for the programme with a promise that the association under his watch will ensure the development of the game at the highest level in the state.
Meanwhile, head coach of Edo State wrestling Association, Victor Oriakhi has assured that all logistics have been put in place to ensure a successful tournament just as he assured that the athletes and officials will be treated to the best of hospitality which the state is noted for during the duration of the tournament.
“Right now, all logistics have been put in place towards a successful tournament and I want to promise everyone that this is going to be the best championship in recent times and all the athletes and officials will never regret coming to Benin City because they’ll be treated to the best hispitaliy the state is noted for”, he concluded.