Benin City in Edo State agog for amateur wrestling tournament

Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria will be agog from Monday the 8th – Wednesday the 10th of August 2022 as amateur wrestlers from 12 Nigerian states of Nigeria will converge at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City to participate in the Edo State Invitational Amateur Wrestling Tournament.

‘’We want to facilitate and ensure the full development of young people’s potential through the ‘catch them young’ project through amateur wrestling events via the Edo State Invitational Amateur Wrestling Tournament. The provision of strategic championship supportive networks and initiatives for character development, entrepreneurial activities, sports and community based civic initiatives would enable us to achieve the needful,’’ explained Morris Atula, The Chairman of the Edo State Wrestling Association in an interview.

Morris Atula as a former World Light Heavyweight champion

Atula made his points known that the upcoming Edo State Invitational wrestling tournament would produce new talents across the participating states around the federation. “The proposed Edo State Invitational Wrestling Championship will definitely produce the future champions of the mat sport from our part of the world nationally, continentally and even world champions,’’ explained Atula who has seen it all from the cradle as an amateur talent to World Light Heavyweight champion and titleholder as a pro.

“The objective of sports activities is not only to promote the potential of young people in this field, but also to equip them with business skills and acquaint them with social, economic and environmental issues. The aim of this holistic approach is to empower young people to assume a responsible role in their individual communities in the future. Through sports, many bridges can be built which promote collaboration and stimulate responsibility in communities. Sports are associated with an indisputably high social function like community leadership, community empowerment and sustainable development. In this way, newly acquired skills and talents can be reinvested in the community. It is important that young people are empowered through this project,” he emphasized.

Head coach of the Edo State Wrestling Association, Victor Oriakhi, with his talents

According to the head coach of the Edo State Wrestling Association, Victor Oriakhi, plans are indeed in top gear to host the timely tournament and the invited states would be in Benin from Sunday, August 7 in readiness for the event. “We are indeed prepared for this tournament and it is going to be one of the best in recent times,” explained Coach Victor.