Wrestling Gala Scheduled for Yaounde

The competition will be organized in prelude to Super Makia's jubilee next month.

The wrestling federation is coming out of its lethargy with a series of competitions announced in the months ahead. First was the announcement of the Super Makia jubilee to mark the retirement of the iconic athlete from active competition, and then followed on Saturday, April 12 by the announcement of a wrestling gala in prelude to the jubilee to take place on May 24 at the Yaounde sports complex.

The president of the Association of Professional Wrestlers, Nkengne Mba Stephane said, the gala which is reserved for national wrestlers, will enable the selection of athletes to take part in the Super Makia jubilee which is going to be an international event.

He said the association was not in conflict with the federation which by the way sent the national coach, Noudem Michel to oversee the technical organization of the competition. Their goal, he said was to put wrestling back on the rails in Cameroon by filling the vacuum left in the organization of competitions. Nkengne Stephane revealed that there will be four main fights during the gala ranging from 80kg to more than 100kg categories.

The national technical director for wrestling said they have been preparing for the past three weeks for the competition. Their preparation, Noudem said comprises three phases. The first was based on physical fitness, the second on technical revision and the third will dwell on briefings during combat.

The president of the communication and marketing committee, Beyina Paul Clotaire, said they were working frantically to seek sponsors and raise funds for the event and that a second press conference will be convened ten days to the event to inform the public on the state of preparations.