LAGOS – Prof. Olakintan DeSouza, a member of the Commonwealth Judo Association on Friday in Lagos advised players, coaches and referees to embrace the tenet of discipline in 2015.
DeSouza told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that adhering to the tenet would attract potential sponsors, saying that parents would also appreciate their children’s participation in the sport.
He said that players should abstain from activities that could tarnish their image nationally and internationally.
According to him, this will also attract potential sponsors.
“A player’s watchword must be discipline. I will use myself as an example, while I was competing; I abstained from unscrupulous act and drinking of alcohol.
“I was able to achieve a result that no one has surpassed as far as judo is concerned. To me, judo is a spiritual sport.’’
DeSouza, ranked one in Africa, appealed to private organisations to embrace the martial art sport, saying the sport needed the support of philanthropists.
“The sport gives you so many medals and we have untapped talents, that is one reason why sponsors should come to the aid of the sport.
“Philanthropists should also help out, they should assist us in 2015, so that there will be regular competitions that will improve the standard of players, coaches and referees.’’
He urged players not to get discouraged, saying that they should not relent in their training.
“They should not say because there is no competition, they will not train anymore.
“One thing they have to understand is that if your opponent is training once a day, you have to train at least three times a day,’’ he said. (NAN)
Judo referee tasks players, referees on discipline
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