Niger state Badminton association has concluded arrangements for the commencement of the first edition of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago inter local government badminton championship in Minna, the state capital.
Speaking to sports Journalists at the Minna Sports Club complex, venue of the championship, the Chairman of the state Badminton Association, Alhaji Nma Kolo, disclosed that the championship was organized to discover some hidden talents that could be nurtured to represent the state and the country at large.
He revealed that currently the number two Badminton player in the country, Aliyu Shehu is a Nigerlites and that they want more Nigerlites Badminton players at the national and global stage, hence the organization of the championship.
Alhaji Nma Kolo who observed that the state has abundant talents in the game of badminton which were yet to be discovered, also expressed optimism that the participants of the championship will give a good account of themselves throughout the four days event.
He also added that sports globally is now a lucrative business which can positively change the fortune of an individual, stressing the need for government and well to do individuals in the state and beyond to invest heavily on sports so as to provide job opportunities for the teaming youths in the state.
He equally noted that sports could be use as not only a tool for unity, but also for youths engagement in order to take them away from youths restiveness and other social vices.
The state Badminton Association chairman who holds the tittle of Jawon Minna and Amanan Lapai explained that the championship had been categorized into the youth and veterans categories, adding that while the youths category is the main event, the veterans category is to appreciate the veterans for their support to the younger places.
“What we want to achieve is to get the hidden talents that we have across the 25 local government areas of Niger state. That is why we are placing special emphasis on the active players. We also have the veterans but the main target of this tournament is for us to catch them young,” he explained.
He also disclosed that the National president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Barr. Frank Obi will grace the event alongside other national officials, adding that aside those that would be lucky to be selected for better placement, a lot of take home prizes awaits those who distinguished themselves during the championship.
Alhaji Nma Kolo also expressed optimism that the championship would be a hitch free one, saying “whatever we do in Niger state we do it with decorum, so I am optimistic that we are going to have a hitch free and successful tournament.”
Badminton players across the 25 local government areas of the state are expected to participate in the championship which will officially kickstarts on Wednesday, 26th June, 2024. The championship is organized in honour of the state Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umar Bago.