Usman Ahmed Ododo Club, has been crowned overall winner of the maiden Morris Atula End of Year Wrestling Championship.
After a day of competition at the indoor hall of the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, the club emerged champions in the senior category of the championship.
In all, no fewer than forty wrestlers from six clubs, participated in the championship. The clubs include: Usman Ahmed Ododo Club, Maigari Club Lokoja, Habitat Onumuko Club Lokoja, Chief Mathew Nwafo Club Lokoja, Mariamat Orekachuyan Ibin Ibrahim Club and Central Bank Club Lokoja.
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In the end, Usman Ahmed Ododo Club dominated the competition, clinching two Gold and one silver medal. Habitat Onumuko Club came second with two Gold and one bronze medal while Maigari Club came third with one Gold and two silver medals.
In the Junior category, Mariamat Orekachuyan Ibin Ibrahim Club came first with three Gold medals, Chief Mathew Nwafo Club came second with three Silver medals while Central Bank Club came third with three Bronze medals.
Also, the championship which had no age limit was divided into two categories namely: The Junior category made up of male and female wrestlers from 36kg to 42kg as well as the Senior category made up of young male and female athletes from 55-65kg and 65-75kg.
Some of the talents discovered at the maiden wrestling championship included : Abdul Akim Akowe , Peculiar Adedapo , Peniel Adedapo , Ayodele, Ayomide Ajozie ,Ojogun Martin .Even as some of them distinguished themselves with brilliant performances that earned them medals during the first championship.
Meanwhile, the Head Coach Wrestling, Ologunja John, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling, in the state, stating that he was committed to the development of the youths through sports.
While addressing the gathering with the theme, ” Power of Perspective” , charged the young athletes to strive to rise above their challenges and hurdles if they desire to excel in the field of sports.
The wrestling coach also spoke about the significant role sports have played in reducing social vices, pointed out that initiatives like the wrestling championship are essential in keeping young people engaged and out of trouble especially with the rising tide of kidnapping, internet fraud, banditry amongst others.
He further emphasised that the championship was tailored towards prepare the young wrestlers for the fourth coming youth and senior national sports festival, attracting sponsors as well as for integration into the various levels of the national teams.
The championship according to him was initiated with the desire to attract international connection into European countries and clubs , to gain government financial support for wrestling mats , reviving the sport of wrestling which is struggling in the state due to lack specific wrestling equipments, as well as ensure wrestling academicals are built for the future.
He further disclosed the event also aims to enhance capacity-building especially among youth athletes; just as tournaments of this nature are designed to serve as breeding grounds for future wrestling stars in addition to helping in identifying and nurturing talent from a young age.
While at the same time, making them believe in their God given talent and psychomotor domin which focuses on the wrestlers physical skills and the Co-ordination of brain activity along with that of the muscles.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to some individuals for their contributions towards the growth of wrestling in Kogi State. They are: Felicia feyisola , Coach Gambo Agbem , Coach Adai Baje, Abubakar Muhammad , Coach Ologunja Ojo John.
Athletes such as Sanni Gabriel retained his Most Valuable Wrestler Award in the senior male 55kg category. Just as Adedapo Peculiar walk away with the Most Valuable Wrestler in the Junior category.
Currently being self sponsored , organizers of the competition , Ologunja Ojo John family , the Confluence Wrestlers’ Association, in conjunction with Kogi state Wrestling Association are hoping that the event will catch the attention of privileged individuals and corporate organizations for much needed financial support.
As we look forward to more such initiatives, it is essential for all stakeholders, including private sponsors, community leaders, and educational institutions, to collaborate and support grassroots sports.
This collective effort will pave the way for a brighter future for grassroots wrestling in Kogi State as well as ensure that our youths are given ample opportunities to excel.
