Gov Diri National Wrestling Championship : Bayelsa Ready To Host The Nation – Igali
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, has stated in clear terms the readiness of Bayelsa State to host the nation as 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship is set to take the 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 12th to 20th, 2025.
Speaking in a world press conference in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Honourable Igali opined that Bayelsa will host one of the most glamorous championships it has ever had, attributing the statement to the passionate and sporting drive of Governor Douye Diri.
He noted that Governor Diri has consistently sponsored initiatives of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, thus his confidence of 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 would be probably one of the better organized 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 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.” He noted.
Also, Daniel Igali 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.
The Honourable commissioner said 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 12th December with hostility beginning 14th December 2025.
