NAFEST 2017: Host Kaduna Emerge Champions In Traditional Wrestling
Host of the 30th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), Kaduna State on Friday, emerged winner of the traditional wrestling competition.
Kaduna wrestler Ibrahim Shehu overpowered his Kano State counterpart Mujiheed Mohammed to emerge champion in the finals which held at the Kaduna international trade fair complex, venue of the NAFEST 2017.
In the 3rd and 4th place match earlier, Katsina State wrestler Salau Umar left no spectator in doubt when he brought on his kneels his Lagos counterpart Oke Akinbowa in yet another keen wrestling.
The champion coach Dan Sabo Haruna attributed their victory to dedication and hard work coupled with determination to achieve results.
He said, ” although we won, the fight was not easy and our opponent was certainly not a work over. I discovered some loopholes which we will work on going forward”.
On his part, Mr. John Gana, the technical director Traditional sports federation of Nigeria, expressed performance with the entire athletes that took part in the traditional wrestling competition.
He said, they athletes are talents that will make Nigeria proud in the nearest future and urged them to keep the spirit.
Also speaking earlier before the commencement of the fight, the Director General National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe commended the athletes that partook in the traditional wrestling particularly for their sportsmanship.
He urged them to ensure that they continue to demonstrate such sportsmanship in whatever competition they found themselves.
“showcasing our cultural heritage is and should no longer be an option but a deliberate choice that we must all embrace and practice now and always ” he admonished.
The NAFEST 2017 with the theme: Nigerian peace and unity, our pride hosted by Kaduna State ends today after an eventful week long of showcasing Nigeria diverse cultural heritage.
