One of the biggest national tournaments in many years - this is how wrestling fans are describing the New Zealand 2023 National Championships.

Held at Tauranga Boys’ College over the weekend, the event attracted more than 200 contenders.

The tournament brought together the best competitors from all the categories in the country, while also catching the attention of a few international participants who did not want to be left out of the contest.

“We had entries from clubs from all over New Zealand, and a few International entries from Tonga, Samoa, Japan, India, Russia, South Africa and Australia,” says Mount Maunganui Academy of Wrestling head coach Mark Grayling.

With the Olympics next year, the weekend's championship became a platform for all contenders who wanted to exhibit their skills and boost their confidence in front of teammates, referees and trainers. 

Tauranga Moana hosted the New Zealand 2023 National Wrestling Championship on the weekend. Photo: Supplied.

“These nationals were a stepping stone for some of our seniors aiming for 2024 Olympic Games selection, and that added some heat to the tournament," says Mark.

The medals won by Mount Maunganui Academy of Wrestling were 31 in total - 16 gold, seven silver and eight bronze medals.

“We are proud of the performance of our club members, some of them won distinguished awards like Most Outstanding Female Wrestler, Most Scientific Junior Wrestlers, Coach of The Year and Most Outstanding Trainee - Referee.

"Our club also won three top wrestling categories, Top Greco Roman Club, Champion Veteran Club, and Overall Champion Club.

"That made us feel proud and led us to keep training hard for future competitions.”

Tauranga Moana hosted the New Zealand 2023 National Wrestling Championship on the weekend. Photo: Supplied.