By Ben Ogbemudia
The minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr.Sunday Dare has charged the country’s contingent to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan to surpass the previous record at the Ancient Games.
Mr. Dare who gave the charge in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital at a tune-up tournament for Nigerian wrestlers ahead of the Spectacle, said with the level of commitment shown by the wrestlers it was time to rewrite Nigeria’s history in wrestling.
The minister noted that the zeal and passion displayed by the wrestlers in their Yenagoa Camp was an indication that the team was prepared for the showpiece, describing them as champions.
Mr. Dare while commending the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Mr,
Daniel Igali for his uncommon drive towards the country’s wrestlers appreciated the Bayelsa State governor Douye Diri for his love and support for the federation.
The minister who described Bayelsa as the capital of wrestling in Africa urged those who did not qualify for the Olympics not to relent but continue to push for success, stating that there were other upcoming competitions such as the Commonwealth Games as well the African Junior Championship.
He explained that the first batch of athletes have already departed the country for Tokyo while the second batch will leave Nigeria next Tuesday and the third batch due to arrive in Japan on the 17th of this month before the Fiesta.
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Earlier, the Caretaker Chairman of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Mr. Daniel Igali thanked the minister for the support he has rendered to the federation, especially to the wrestlers.
Mr. Igali who is the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development asserted that with the immense support from the Federal Ministry of Youth Sports Development and the Bayelsa State government, he was optimistic that Wrestling would clinch its first gold in the history of Nigeria in Japan.
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Mightyman Dikuro, Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, Director New Media to Governor Douye Diri, Mr. Kola Oredipe, Chairman Bayelsa United Mr, Ebiki Timitimi and other dignitaries.
