Nwankpa Tasks Associations On Programmes

A former Commonwealth
welterweight boxing champion, Obisia Nwankpa, has urged sports associations in states to enhance their sponsorship drive in order to successfully execute their yearly programmes.
Nwankpa told newsmen in Lagos that he was aware that sports associations map out programmes to engage boxers but lack funds to execute such initiatives.
According to him, the associations should go the extra mile to raise funds, saying engaging boxers regularly would keep them in form.
“One sure way of curbing dearth of boxing activities is to ensure that the association’s programmes are well executed through sponsors,’’ he said.
He said that regular activities would raise the hope of boxers and make them to be committed, adding that technical officials too would be busy.
“National competitions are not regular but the associations can find a way of encouraging the boxers in the states by exposing them to local competitions.
“It is very important to engage our upcoming boxers because the more they participate in competitions, the more opportunity they have to identify lapses and create room for improvement.
“In local competitions, winning should not be the focus but ensuring that budding talents get familiar with the ethics that will guide them in building a good career,’’ he said.
The former champion said boxing had brought glory to the country both in continental and intercontinental tournaments, adding that this should be sustained.
Nwankpa, however, commended the Kenneth Minimah-led board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) for its immense contribution to the improvement of amateur boxing since the board was inaugurated.
“I believe that the glory of boxing in this country will be restored. This is because we now have a leader who is passionate about the growth and wellbeing of boxers.
“You need to see the structure Minimah put up at the boxing secretariat and he has promised to overhaul the boxing gymnasium.