NOC BACKS NEW SPORT AS NIGERIA UNVEILS SEPAKTAKRAW

By: Gyang Dakwo

The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) has restated its commitment to growing new and emerging sports in the country, and this came as Nigeria staged its first ever public demonstration of Sepaktakraw in Abuja.

NOC president Habu Gumel gave the assurance on Saturday during the demonstration held at the Indoor Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The event marked the formal introduction of Sepaktakraw to the Nigerian sports scene.

Sepaktakraw is a sport from Southeast Asia, and it combines elements of volleyball and football. It is played with a rattan ball over a net, and players are allowed to use only their feet, knees, chest and head.

Gumel said the demonstration was organised to showcase the sport and also to draw attention to its growth potential in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots level.

He noted that all the athletes who took part were under 20 years old, and described early exposure as key to building future champions.

According to him, new sports need careful planning and investment to succeed, and this includes youth development, technical training and strong administrative support.

The NOC president praised the organisers, the National Sports Commission, members of the Sepaktakraw board, technical officials and the media for supporting the initiative. He said media attention would help the sport gain wider acceptance across the country.

“Sepaktakraw already enjoys global recognition, with more than 60 countries participating worldwide, making its adoption and domestication in Nigeria easier.

“The sport has the potential to create employment opportunities, positively engage youths and reduce youth restiveness if properly developed,” he said.

Gumel assured all stakeholders that the NOC would support the sport through technical assistance, capacity building and access to Olympic Solidarity funds. He also expressed confidence in the future of Sepaktakraw in Nigeria after watching the athletes perform.