By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu Abia State last weekend, emerged winners in the maiden edition of the Under-15 and Under-17 South East Wrestl
By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu
Abia State last weekend, emerged winners in the maiden edition of the Under-15 and Under-17 South East Wrestling Championship, with two gold, silver and two bronze medals, at the event held at the Indoor Sports Gymnasium Multipurpose Hall, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The three-day championship sponsored and organized by the Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, VWAN in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, NSC, attracted over 40 wrestlers from the five South East states of, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and host state, Enugu.
Anambra State placed second on the medals table with 2 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze, just as Ebonyi clinched the third position with 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze, while Enugu and Imo are fourth and fifth respectively with 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 gold, 1 bronze.
Speaking to Sports writers during the grande finale, president of VWAN and former Commonwealth and World Wrestling Champion, Morris Atula, expressed delight on the level of participation and performance, hinting that the zone has the potential to produce another generation of superstars and champions.
He called on those at the helm of affairs and relevant stakeholders in the sports sector on the significance of investing in the sport, while reassuring that the programme would be a yearly affair.
In his remark, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who spoke through his Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Llyod Ike Ekweremadu, applauded the organizers of the event for the initiative, reaffirming the present administration’s passion and vision for sports promotion and development in the state.
Also Speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission NSC, Mr. Benard Ezeama praised the sponsor for making the tournament a reality.
He stressed that such an opportunity has provided the athletes the opportunity of showcasing their hidden talents in wrestling.
For the winners, 16-year-old Obioma GodsChild Abia State, and Ugwu Sarah Ebonyi, the exercise was a worthwhile event, thanking all their coaches that made impact on them, saying that they will continue to work hard to get better.
Meanwhile, prize money, medals and certificates were presented to outstanding wrestlers, just as there were consolation prizes for other participants
The event was attended by dignitaries from the sports sector, including ex internationals, personnel of NSC, as well as Directors of Sports and Coaches from the five participating states.
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