Wrestling Improves Health, Physical Fitness – Amaechi Nwachukwu
By Lawrence Chukwudike
The Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) candidate for Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency in 2023 general elections and Medical Director, Princeton Specialist Hospital and Orthopaedic Center, Awka, has said that wrestling sports activity is a good sport routine that enhances the health status of those that engages in it.
Speaking at wrestling festival of Nteje, in Oyi council area recently when he joined the community on their annual wrestling competition called ‘Mgba Afo'(yearly wrestling) festival, the orthopaedic surgeon said that wrestling as a sports was not only a great way to stay physically fit but also help in building self-confidence, self-discipline and a total body workout. He emphasized that wrestling improves core strength and also improves functional strength and cardiovascular endurance.
In his word; “Wrestling is a great sport; it has been around for ages. There are several variations to the sport but every variation shares the same core principals. In some advanced nations, wrestling serves as an individual sport and sometimes teams also participate together. This combative sport teaches discipline and self-control.
“Even schools and colleges over there have wrestling as part of their physical education program. And it is encouraged that more schools and colleges include this important sport in their school’s gymnasium. They are being taught to be physically and emotionally strong.
“Other than being a fun activity there are multiple health benefits for those that engages in wrestling. It encourages an overall healthy approach to living. One of this benefit is that it improves their cardiovascular health. The heart gets a lot of exercise as well, when the person is trying to take down the opponent and at the same time trying to prevent the opponent from pinning them.
“It is a good idea to encourage young children to participate in multiple sports. Everyone has their preferences and their favorite sport. But participating in a variety of sports will better develop cognitive skills, and help improve the person’s performance in all sports.
“This is part of the agenda that would be addressed if I’m elected to represent the good people of Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency, I will champion the selection of the best in each sorts, ranging from wrestling, football, other sports activities and ensure we use our constituency money to sponsor them to higher heights and peak of their careers.
“I will also spearhead the integration and help to diversify sports in our secondary schools because wrestling is an ideal sport that can be incorporated in sports routine through enacting laws to that effect,” Dr. Nwachukwu explained.
