The Nigeria Traditional Boxing League (NTBL) has appealed to the Federal and State Governments to support the game to enable the country’s athletes participate in Olympics and other international competitions.
Chairman of the NTBL in Niger, Malam Shuaibu Yakasai, made the appeal on Saturday in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
“We want both federal and state governments to encourage the game of traditional boxing by sponsoring local competitions that will produce athletes that can compete in international tournaments.
“It is only some interested individuals that sponsor the game for the purpose of entertainment and nothing more.
“Good sponsorship will capture public interest in traditional boxing which is part of our culture and it will encourage our athletes to compete in international competitions.
“In the modern day, sports create employment and wealth especially for the teeming unemployed youths.’’
He said that the state’s team would be participating in a three-day competition in Katsina in the next two weeks.
Yakasai said that Niger, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Kebbi States would be participating in the competition.
He said that each participating state is expected to come with a six-man contingent including the chairman and a coach.