The maiden Customs, military and paramilitary wrestling championship has commenced at the package B, indoor hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Declaring the championship open, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, said wrestling plays a vital role in promoting Nigerian sports globally.
Adeniyi emphasised the Nigeria Wrestling Federation’s (NWF) desire to take wrestling to the grassroots.
“It gives me great honour to celebrate this sporting excellence, especially that of wrestling.
“ The seed for this tournament was sown about a year ago in Yenagoa during our board meeting.
“Everyone unanimously agreed to begin to build future champions that will represent Nigeria in major international events.
“At that meeting, we also decided that the military and paramilitary sectors should be organised to have this tournament.
“Wrestlers and the military share similar attributes like discipline, character, respect for your opponent, team work, strategy and playing the game according to the rules,” he said .
Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Olawale Fawole, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee ( LOC), thanked Adeniyi for hosting the championship.
“I want to state that the brain work behind this championship is of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“ I want to acknowledge his interest and dedication at every stage towards the preparation of this championship.
“I want to thank the Nigeria Wrestling Federation ( NWF) board for the trust placed in the LOC and all other stakeholders who collaborated to ensure that today becomes a reality,” he said.
On his part, the Vice President NWF, also extended gratitude to Adeniyi for sponsoring the event and to the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and agency heads for participating.
“On behalf of the President and all the board members of the NWF , I welcome you to this delightful occasion.
“Before we begin, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs for sponsoring this event.
“We want to thank the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and head if various agencies represented here today for availing your athletes to participate in this tournament.
“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Minister of Sports Development for all the support he has given to the Wrestling Federation,” he said.
The colorful opening ceremony showcased the parade by various agencies, setting the tone for an electrifying atmosphere
The championship which started on Oct.19 is expected to end on Thursday at the package B indoor hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium
