By Solomon Nwoke

THE main auditorium of the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yanegoa is wearing a new look as it hosts this year’s Governor Dickson Seriake Wrestling Classic which began yesterday and runs through December 21st.

About 400 wrestlers from across the nation are vying for honours in this year’s classic which doubles as the end of the year championship and competition for the  selection of the country’s representatives in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The classic

Wrestlers

Speaking with Sports Vanguard, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr Daniel Igali, said all hands are on deck to make this year’s event a colourful one because of its importance in the federation’s calendar.

Dr Igali said the Seriake Classic would attract high profile sports dignitaries  like Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi, the president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Sani Ndanusa, Chairman  of the Commonwealth Wrestling Association, Josip Mrcosl as well as the Governor of the state,  Dickson Seriake and his entire cabinet

An elated President of NWF enthused that the Classic promises to be a memorable one the wrestlers as there would be cash prizes for the first, second and their place winners apart from the overall all winners trophy.

He said, “ one of the highlights of this year’s event is that for the first time in this classic, there will be prize for the ‘Most Valuable Wrestler sponsored by Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali.

The winner will be sponsored to an international wrestling tourney. We are very optimistic that this year’s championship will be very interesting as we expect the high profile sports personalities like Spoets Minister, Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi, NOC president, Engr. Sani Ndanusa and  Chairman  of the Commonwealth Wrestling Association, Josip Mrcosl to grace the tournament. Also, permit me to say that winners of this classic would be called to camp ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland’.