NSF, NYG: Coach Wants Muay Thai As Scoring Sport

The Head coach of the Rivers State Muay Thai Association, Princewill  Gaius,  has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to approve the sport as  scoring sport in major competitions, especially National Sports Festival.
Gaius made the appeal last Wednesday during an exclusive interview with Tidesports at the karate dojo, Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to him, the sports, had met the demands of the ministry of sports to demonstrate at least twice as a sport before participating in sports festivals, saying that, the association is now fit and ready to take part in National Sports Festival (NSF) and the annual National Youth Games (NYG) if the approval is given.
He noted that despite the efforts made to ensure that the sport is developed at the state and national level, the sport still suffers setback based on it’s inability to take part in major competitions in Nigeria.
“Muay Thai came into being in the  country in the early 80’s by a Thai, Engineer Winches at the Thailand Community, Lagos State,” Coach Gaius said.
He noted that the association is recognised by the International Federation  of Muay Thai. Amateur (IFMA),  saying that, the body has been participating in  international competitions.
“We have been attending competitions outside the country to represent the state and the country, l think it’s time for us to have the approval to also participate in major competitions, such as the National Sports Festival  and the National Youth Games,” he added.
He also said that as a coach he has put in his best to ensure that the sports grow in the state interms of funding and otherwise.
“I have worked hard to see that Muay Thai gets to the desired height in the state, l personally ensure that l and my technical crew went to llorin, Kwara State for the National Youth Games even the National Sport Festival to gain experience and knowledge of how it works and what it takes to be there, even if the sport is yet to be approved as scoring,” he said.
He explained that though he has got some signal and necessary documentation from the state Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye, but would feel better and relaxed when his expectations have been met.
He however, said that he will also be at this edition of the NYG as usual as he hopes and prayed that come next year’s NSF, tagged “Edo 2020” to be hosted by Edo State, Muay Thai will participate as Scoring sport.
Meanwhile, the 2019 edition of the NYG commences tomorrow 7 september to last through 17 of this month.