The Head Coach, Lagos State Traditional Sports Association (LSTSA), Edet Ibanga, has urged the three tiers of governments in the country to support the growth of traditional sports.

Ibanga told Tidesports in Lagos that the support would definitely engage the youths in a positive way and keep them off social vices.

According to him, support from government would also encourage both corporate organisations and sports philanthropists to contribute their quota to the development of the events.

The coach said that the sports, comprising Kokawa (Traditional Wrestling), Dambe (Traditional Boxing), Langa, Ayo and Abula, can only be popular with government support.

“The promotion of the events should be a collective effort from the three tiers of government.

“The drive should start from the grassroots to the states and then capped up with federal support,’’ he said.

According to him, the support at all levels should start with the provision of facilities for training and regular competitions.

“Regular sponsorship of competitions across the country is the only way to make the sports grow and making the youth grow into stars.

“Regular competitions will also assist in raising the standard of the sports from the grassroots to the states and to the national level,’’ he said.

Ibanga added that adequate support would also create awareness for the sports.

“The awareness will go a long way in giving the youth a sense of belonging, as well as keeping them off the streets.

He added that creating more awareness for the sports should be a collective effort of all stakeholders.