Imo Wrestling Association Chairman, Chief Iloanusi Launches Revival Agenda, Seeks Govt Backing ||| NEWS CORNER

By ThankGod Emeh…

The Chairman of the Imo State Wrestling Association, Chief Christian Iloanusi, has declared that wrestling in Imo State is in urgent need of revival, describing the current state of the sport as underperforming and underreported.

Addressing pressmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Center, Owerri, recently, Chief Iloanusi stated clearly that wrestling is not doing well in Imo State, stressing that there is a serious need to wake up and improve the wrestling game.

Chief Iloanusi, who reflected on his distinguished career as a Traditional and Olympic Wrestling Champion in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, noted that he has remained actively involved in wrestling since 1988 and has witnessed how structured sports systems across the world, including Canada, create yearly opportunities such as scholarships and international exposure for young athletes.

He, however, decried that those wrestling opportunities are largely missing for youths in Imo State and Nigeria at large — a gap he is determined to close through strategic reforms and partnerships.

According to him, amateur wrestling is a developmental sport that helps shape young minds and improve their discipline, focus, and overall mindset.

Chief Iloanusi also lamented that wrestling is underreported in sports coverage, adding that without media support, the public will not fully understand the value and potential of the sport.

He clarified that wrestling includes amateur (Olympic) wrestling, professional wrestling, and traditional wrestling, stressing that he was referring specifically to Olympic and traditional wrestling rather than entertainment wrestling.

“I am not talking about WWF entertainment. We are talking about Olympic wrestling and also our traditional wrestling,” he said.

Describing traditional wrestling as an untapped economic opportunity, he said it is a multi-million-naira business if properly marketed, as it attracts massive crowds and can generate significant revenue.

He added that he is determined to make something meaningful out of the traditional wrestling game in Imo State and is affiliated with the International Traditional Wrestling Alliance to promote the sport internationally.

In a major announcement, Chief Iloanusi revealed plans to organize a Governor’s Traditional Wrestling Competition that will involve all the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State. The competition, he explained, will bring together professional, amateur, and traditional wrestlers across the state, serving as both a cultural and sporting event.

He expressed happiness that Governor Hope Uzodimma is a member of the wrestling family and appealed to him to support the initiative, describing it as a win-win situation for the government and the youths of Imo State. He expressed optimism that the state has the potential to become a leading force in wrestling once again.

The Chairman further disclosed plans to introduce wrestling programmes into secondary schools across local government areas.

“Wrestling is a very good sport that our kids need in order to change their mindset in many different ways.

“The Association will approach school managements directly, provide qualified coaches, and work with local stakeholders to secure practice spaces. Wrestling does not require expensive infrastructure, as a simple mat and open space are enough to begin training.

“The goal is to start in selected schools that can serve as centers for nearby institutions, eventually leading to organized school tournaments,” he noted.

He also disclosed plans to launch a broader Imo State Sports and Recreational Initiative, which aims to help children discover and develop their sporting talents early in life.

Chief Iloanusi, however, appealed for collaboration between the government, media, stakeholders, and communities to reposition wrestling as a developmental sport and economic asset for Imo State.