Coach Mozi Onipe Ikutemi, right, receiving his award from Mr.. Olawale.One of the wrestling exhibitions where wrestlers thrilled the audience with various techniques of the sport.Young wrestling displaying their talent in the sport.A male and female wrestler exbiting their of the sport with applaud from the audience.Coach Ojo Ologunja lecturing the audience on wrestling.Some members of the audience at the event.
One of the young wrestlers who received certificate of recognition at the occasion ,for his outstanding contribution to the growth of wrestling in kogi state..
History was made on Boxing Day,(Thursday ),as the Kogi State Wrestling Association, in partnership with the Confluence Wrestlers Association, honored two retired but renowned wrestling coaches who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of wrestling in Kogi State.
The landmark event, the first of its kind in the history of wrestling in kogi state,was made possible through the active contributions of the state coach for wrestling coach,Ojo Ologuja.
The ground breaking event, enthusiasts believe,underscores the importance of leadership and dedication in advancing sports development at the state.
Many attendees at electrifying event said said it emphasized the state’s success in producing accomplished wrestlers who have won numerous national and international medals.
Our correspondent reports that Coach Mozi Onipe Ikutemi and Coach Shaibu Abdullahi, aka, Sadula received their Grand Awards for Excellence in their active days in coaching, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to wrestling.
Speaking at the event,Coach Ojo Ologunja, who is a Deputy Director and state coach for wrestling said the honor bestowed on the two retired coaches serves as a testament to their hard work, commitment, and the role mentorship plays in shaping successful athletes and future coaches.
Coach Ologunja paid heartfelt tribute to the honorees, particularly Coach Ikutemi,for the profound influence he had on his journey, first as a wrestler and later as a coach,emphasizing the impact of Ikutemi’s value and mentorship in his personal and professional growth is highly appreciated.
Dispelling common misconceptions about wrestling,the Deputy Director emphasized that wrestling is neither a dangerous activity nor a form of street fighting.
He said instead, it is a disciplined sport governed by a strict code of ethics, adding that wrestling offers significant financial rewards surpassing those in football, especially in the Western world.
Coach Ologunja , therefore,urged youths and their parents to see wrestling as a viable career path for young athletes.
He noted that Kogi State has produced many accomplished wrestlers who have earned gold, silver, and bronze medals in various national and international sporting events.
The Deputy Director, however,called for enhanced state’s commitment to nurturing more talents and investment in sports development.
He expressed his appreciation for parents who willingly allow their children to undergo wrestling training and participate in competitions, adding that their support plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of athletes and channeling the behavior of youths towards activity devoid of crime and criminality.
According to him, wrestling provides athletes with opportunities to travel abroad for competitions, maintain good health, enhance mental alertness for self-defense, improve social interactions, achieve fame, and secure employment, among other benefits.
He said the basic skills wrestlers need to excel in the sport include, good health,balancing, motion and ability to penetrate opponents among others.
Coach Ologunja described wrestling as a sport that has the capacity to occupy the minds of youth and discourage them from engaging in anti social activities.
Speaking with The Reporters on the sideline of the novel event, Coach Ikutemi, the unbeaten International Wrestling Champion in Okene, since 1993, described his award as a dream come true.
The Coach,who thanked the association for recognizing his immense contributions to the development of wrestling in the state, disclosed that he has trained many wrestlers most of won more than 30 gold and other medals in various sports competitiond in Nigeria and abroad.
He advised the state government to intensify efforts in improving sporting facilities, adding that it would go along way in encouraging wrestlers to stay in the state and win more medals, instead of looking for greener pastures in other states or abroad.
Highlight at the fiesta was exhibition showcasing the various wrestling fights from amateur to professional fight and presentation of certificates to other stakehokders for the their contributions to the development of wrestling in the state.
Our correspondent reports that speeches and awards at the event underscore the immense potential of wrestling to shape lives, build character, and elevate Kogi State’s reputation in the sporting world.
