Again, Bayelsa wins 4th Gov Diri National Wrestling Classics
..As Gov Diri Declares Classic Closed
Host Bayelsa State has emerged the overall champions of the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Bayelsa produced a dominant performance in the championship by clinching victories in the Greco-Roman, Women’s Freestyle, men’s freestyle, and Beach Wrestling with over 600 athletes, 30 States and twelve clubs participating in this year’s edition of the classics.
Bayelsa won the championship with 935 points, amassing 22 gold, 7 sliver, 16 bronze medals, Dynamite club finished second with 475 points with a total of 6 gold, 9 silver, 12 bronze, Nigerian Army came distance third on 370 points, 3 gold, 3 silver and 10 bronze medals.
Cross Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Nigeria Army finished 4th to 7th respectively while Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta State and the Dynamite club equally dominated the newly introduced Beach Wrestling event.
Speaking at the grand finale of the wrestling classics, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, remarked that he was pleased with the growth of wrestling in the nation, maintaining that Bayelsa has been a fertile ground for wrestling in the country and the African continent.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling in the state, adding that the government was committed to the development of the youth through sports.
While appreciating all the wrestlers for the show of dexterity and determination, the state helmsman acknowledged the efforts of the Federation in promoting wrestling, stating that the continuous investment in the sport has made Nigeria a force to be reckon with in Africa and the world.
The commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa, Chief Daniel Igali, asserted that this year’s tournament witnessed 55 weight classes and the introduction of beach wrestling.
According to him, the introduction of beach wrestling was necessitated because the federation was using the tournament to test the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal from October 31 through the 13th of November, 2026.
He opined that the championship would be used in preparation for the Africa Wrestling Championship in Alexandria, Egypt; saying that the Federation was pleased with the level of preparation ahead of the championship slated from 12th through the 15th of May, 2026, featuring Senior, U-17, and U-20 categories.
Announcing a cash reward of ₦200,000 to each gold medalist, ₦100,000 to silver medalist and ₦70,000 for bronze winners in 45 weight classes, describing the governor as a pillar of the Federation.
Vice President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Chris Amkpila in an interview said the dream of the Federation was to see Nigerian wrestlers excel at the global stage, describing this year’s classics as remarkable for the Federation.
