KADUNA – The Secretary of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Akawo Amechi, on Tuesday appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and corporate bodies to assist in sponsorship of the sport in the country.
Amechi made the appeal in Kaduna during the 2014 World Judo Day celebration.
He said that regular competitions would attract more athletes and promote the sport in the country.
“We have attended different tournaments and won medals for the country, but only few athletes were involved,’’ Amechi said.
He said that the essence of the celebration was to remember the birthday of the founder the sport, Master Jigoro Kano, who was born on Oct. 28, 1882.
Amechi said the day was also set aside to celebrate the contribution of the founder to the International Olympic Committee.
He said judo was still growing in Nigeria and should be supported by stakeholders in sports.
“Judo happens to be one of the sports that require patience because of the safety techniques introduced by the founder.
“We specifically brought the celebration to Kaduna because of the ongoing military and para-military games.
“We want to call on all judokas in the country to refocus their thoughts and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country,’’ Amechi said.
He said that the focus of this year’s celebration is “Honour and Respect”.
NAN reports that different techniques, such as skills throwing, break falling, strangulation and choke were displayed by athletes. (NAN)