The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging sporting events as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.
Dikko stated this while officially declaring open the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Thursday.
The NSC boss, while speaking on the significance of traditional wrestling said it is more than just a sport as it embodies a rich cultural heritage that binds West African nations together.
“It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline, qualities that define our great continent. This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” Dikko said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s , who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion just as he reiterated the Commission’s to utilising sporting events for youth empowerment, regional integration and economic growth.
In his remarks, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, commended the Nigerian government for agreeing to host the tournament emphasising its importance in strengthening cooperation among the 12 member states of ECOWAS.
He said, “This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states. It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe that this will enhance the integration factor that ECOWAS advocates.
“Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth. We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are vital to our overarching goals of development and human capital enhancement.”
Sporting Tribune reports that wrestlers will participate in weight classification bouts across categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg. Matches will follow an elimination format until semi-finalists are determined.
This year’s tournament coincides with the momentous 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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