NAN-S-8
Games
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, March 1, 2017 (NAN) Fans of Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation (NWKF) say the inclusion of the sport in the 2017 African Youth Games (AYG) is a welcome development.
Michael Oladeinde, a member of the Africa Wushu Federation (AWF) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the sport was approved the body.
Oladeinde said it was one of the desires of stakeholders to have the sport as part of events in the NYG, where athletes would have opportunity of participation in Games.
“This is one of the major things we have being clamouring for since the introduction of the Youth Games, I see it as a dream come through and positive development.
“The recognition of Wushu in the NYG is a big achievement and will really put smiles on the faces of our athletes who have been nursing such ambition,” he said.
Festus Nwa, a certified Wushu Kungfu referee, applauded the effort of the AWF in ensuring that the sport was considered for the forthcoming edition of the NYG.
Nwa said such was the kind of representation that was needed to enhance the growth of the sport and give it the much needed awareness for its athletes to get exposure and excel.
“I am very happy and salute the AWF board for fighting and winning this fight which will really help our athletes to compete, boost their records and grow in the sport,’’ he said.
Sidik Balogun, the NWKF Technical Director, told NAN that the inclusion of the sport in the Games would spur the federation to meaningfully engage its athletes and coaches as part of preparations.
“Its a good one for us but it will make us to widen the scope of our activities whereby the coaching crew will be updated on modern techniques to thoroughly prepare athletes.
“It’s going to be our first outing and we must make sure that our athletes are better informed on techniques to be applied to compete favourably and win medals,” he said.
Obinna Ibedu, a national champion, who spoke on behalf of athletes, told NAN that they would appreciate maximum support from the federation through series of national championships.
Ibedu, a 75kg class said it was through constant participation in competitions that athletes would know their form, while coaches would identify areas of deficiencies to work on.
“This is the time for the federation to organise competitions for us, so that we can be busy, be in competition mood and prepare for the NYG,” he said.
NAN reports that the 3rd edition of the AYG, targeted at youths between 14 and 18 years would hold in July 2018 in Algeria.
The Games will feature Judo, Handball, Karate, Wrestling, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Table tennis, Shooting, Volleyball, Sailing and Wushu. (NAN)
MIL/FF/PDE
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Peter Ejiofor)