By Abiodun Azi
Lagos – Mr Adelusi Ojo, coach Nigeria Wushu Kung-Fu Federation (NWKF), has said that Wushu Kung-fu would be among the participating sports at the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF).
Ojo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that the
Extra-Ordinary meeting of the National Council on Sports held in Benin,
decided the inclusion of Wushu Kung-fu among the 32 participating sports
in 2020 NSF.
He said that a maximum of 32 sports would feature at the festival of which 27 would be compulsory and five optional.
Ojo said that this was in line with practices obtainable in the organisation of major international games.
He said that the decisions reached was to reduce the burden of hosting, organising and participating in the festival.
He said the compulsory sports were selected based on their popularity in
the 36 states and FCT, adding that states entries for a sport in
previous festivals was also a factor.
According to him, the Martial Arts Family are rejoicing on the inclusion
of Kung-fu, Karate and Kick boxing to join other combat sports like
Taekwondo in the NSF.
He, however, said that lack of official recognition by the ministry at the earlier stage, leadership and financial aspects were some challenges facing the sports.