During Saturday wrestling match in Terekeka, Central Equatoria wrestlers were four points down but came from behind to equalize in a consecutive win - Credit | Lou Nelson/Eye Radio | May 21, 2022

The South Sudan Wrestling Federation has suspended unauthorized national and international wrestling tournaments.

This is because some previous wrestling tournaments were conducted without the knowledge or approval of the body.

The federation – which is operating under the national ministry of Youth and Sports – is tasked with the management of the wrestling activities in the country.

Samuel Wusong Gabriel is the President of the South Sudan Wrestling Federation.

He said the body has noticed that some individuals and states have been organizing inter-states and international wrestling tournaments without seeking approval from the federation.

Samuel added that any wrestling tournament without the approval of the federation will be considered illegal.

“I suspended illegal competition; any inter-state tournaments should be approved by the South Sudan Wrestling Federation,” Gabriel said.

“There are some other illegal practices of wrestling without approval from the South Sudan Wrestling Federation,” he said.

“In South Sudan, we have the South Sudan Wrestling Federation and then we have the state associations also there is a body called Greater Association this is not having a mandate even to carry out some other wrestling activities without approval from the South Sudan Wrestling Federation.”

Mr Samuel Wusong Gabriel went on to say any individual, group of people or state violating the order shall face legal measures.

He said the order for the suspension of unapproved wrestling tournaments became effective as of 16^th August 2023.

Wrestling is a sport where two individuals engage or grapple with the aim of throwing or holding their opponent’s shoulders to the ground during the match.

This type of sport is popular among the pastoralist communities and is mainly practised by the communities of Lakes, Jonglei and Central Equatoria States.