By Esther Thorli

The President of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association, Prince Vandy Sualley, has called on wrestlers across the country to improve their skills, techniques, strength and conditioning in order to compete at higher levels.

Sualley made the call at the close of the 2026 National Wrestling Championship, held from March 28–29 at the OlympAfrica Centre and the ‘Save The Beach Centre’ at Atlantic Beach, Lumley.

The two-day event, which featured competitions in senior, U-20 and U-17 categories, attracted athletes from across Sierra Leone and marked the climax of the Development of National Sport System (DNSS) program.

The DNSS initiative included nationwide training for athletes and coaches in Makeni, Port Loko, Bo and Kenema, as well as a recently concluded Level One Referees Course facilitated by a United World Wrestling educator, with eight referees earning certification.

“With the completion of the DNSS program, we now have a solid foundation,” Sualley said. “But you must improve your skills, techniques, strength and conditioning to take wrestling in Sierra Leone to the next level.”

He commended international wrestling expert Charles Villet for his contribution to improving officiating standards in the country, noting that Sierra Leone can now boast of at least eight qualified referees.

Sualley urged athletes and officials to build on the gains made, stressing the importance of maintaining momentum and striving for international recognition.

The championship concluded with the presentation of medals to outstanding performers, highlighting the growing competitiveness and potential of wrestling in Sierra Leone.