Sports
‘Lack Of Funds, Sponsorship, Bane Of Karate Dev’
The chief instructor of Komigboshie Karate Club at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcouret, Ugochukwu Mgbahuru, has identified lack of sponsorship from corporate bodies and individuals as a major challenge to the club.
Sensei Mgbahuru told Tidesports in a telephone interned yesterday in Port Harcourt that it was burdensome for the state government to be the sole sponsor of the game.
Describing the sport as a tool for inculcation of moral value and discipline wrong the youth, the martial arts boss advocated for a legislation that would compel corporate bodies and business tycoons operating in the state to sponsor and promote sporting events.
He argued that such legal frame work would help to discover talents for national and international sports competitions.
Apart from being a talent discovery and in culcation of discipline among the youths, it would also go along way to create employment opportunity for the restive youths in the state.
“Our major challenge is sponsorship. In Rivers State, apart from the state government body or individual for sponsorship, they would want to know what they stand to gain.
“They don’t care about the Karatekas. So it has being a long challenge for Karate practitioners because to act funds and sponsorship have been the problem, and all the sports cannot rely on government alone. IT is not done anywhere in the world” Sensei Mgbahuru lamented.
He said that due to lack of sponsors, the club has not been able to organize or participate in any national tornament.
Sensei Mgbahuru appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, to assist in the development of Karate in the state.
Isaac Nwankwo
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.