A celebration was organized in Bor on Sunday for the victory achieved in the national wrestling tournament in Juba last month, in which Jonglei defeated competitors from Terekeka, Imatong and Eastern Lakes.

Jonglei State's team won over Eastern Lakes and Imatong states in the opening stages and over Terekeka State in the final by 5 to 3 on 23 April 23.

The inter-tribal wrestling tournament at Juba Stadium was organized by South Sudan Wrestling Entertainment (SSWE) with funding from USAID in order to build unity, peace and reconciliation among the tribes in South Sudan.

Sunday's celebration, termed as a “thanksgiving function” honored the star Magot Khot who tactically threw down his Mundari opponent. It was attended by natives of Twic East and Duk among others.

Magot Khot, who originates from Ajuong in Paliau, Twic East was chosen by his coach Majok to lead the team in the competition in preference to other greater Bor super stars like Ajang and Gongic.

The coach said he had seen potential in Magot more than others and that convinced him to allow the young star.

“Everyone has his own time – there are other strong wrestlers like Magot in Bor but I just said let him lead the team due to the warm blood I have seen in him, I said if he fails then he will go back to his position and if he wins like he did then he will lead till others replace him,” the coach elaborated.

Khot said he only narrowly defeated his opponent, a powerful Terekaka wrestler, in the final.

“In wrestling you go to wrestle but he who catches and pulls first is the one who defeats, so I went and catch him first and pulled him then he fell down…I think if he did the same thing I did before me, he would have thrown me instead,” the winner said.

Another wrestler, Majok Jokril, called on the Transitional Government of National Unity to make wrestling as part of its activities that generate money.

The giant said wrestling is being watched in an open ground free of charge but if a stadium is built specifically for the sport, it will make a lot of money as 99% of the population likes watching the game.

“What I can say to the government of South Sudan, the minister of culture youth and sports they have not put wresting in their objectives and it has not been registered as one of the sports activities and you have seen it with the people of Jonglei, all the time in football we are weak but since 2010 we have been wining trophies of wrestling,” he said.

“So I think if our government develops this, it will generate some revenue and will help the young ones as well,” Majok said.

Photo (above): Wrestler Magok Khot of Twic East County, leader of Jonglei's winning wrestling team