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Kogi State government on Thursday inaugurated the local organising committee for the boy 2017 Governor Yahaya Bello National Boxing Championship scheduled to hold in August.
The LOC inauguration for national event organised by the Kogi state Boxing Association is in partnership with the state government was held at the commissioner of youth and sports office in Lokoja.
Speaking at the LOC inauguration, Chairman of the state’s Boxing body, Prince Mathew Kolawole, hailed the support of the governor, noting that the championship will help Kogi and north Central states to rediscover hidden talents in the region.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) board member said national boxers are expected to storm the state capital from various parts of the zonKogi inaugurates LOC for 2017 Yahaya Bello National Boxing Championships
Matthew, who doubles as the Majority leader of the State House of Assembly, said the tournament will help Kogi and the north Central rediscover hidden talents in the region.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) board member believes national boxers and coaches will storm the state capital from various parts of the country to compete for varying cash prizes.
“The tournament is tagged governor Yahaya Bello National Boxing Championship to honor him because coincidentally, the governor use to be a boxer,” said Prince Kolawole.
“The championships is in three phases; Champion of Champions, U21 and U16, which is to groom upcoming boxers to stardom.
“After the event, we hope Kogi boxers that wins their bouts will be sponsored to international tournaments.”
He recalled that Kogi state boxers have represented the country at Africa, Commonwealth and Olympic games winning medals, stressing that the event will revive Boxing in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports, Adoji pledged total support of the state government to the success of the championships.e to compete for varying cash prizes.
“The tournament is tagged governor Yahaya Bello National Boxing Championship to honor him because coincidentally, the governor use to be a boxer,” said Prince Kolawole.
“The championships will be in three phases including the Champion of Champions as well as the Under-21 and Under-16, which provides platform for upcoming boxers to rise to stardom.
“After the event, we hope Kogi boxers that wins their bouts will be sponsored to international tournaments.”
He recalled that Kogi boxers have represented the country at Africa, Commonwealth and Olympic games winning medals, assuring that the event will unearth and showcase young boxers in the state.
