By Anang Bako
Kaduna (Nigeria) – A Handball Veteran has advocated for sponsorship of sporting activities by philanthropists and organised private sector to groom more players for Nigeria’s national team.
Josiah Yahaya, a veteran handball player made the call while presenting prizes to winning teams at the finale of the Open Handball Championship in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria.
The championship was organised as part of plans to revive the game of handball in Kaduna state.
“For sometimes now, handball is dieing slowing due to lack of players and competition and needs to be re- awaken.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to corporate bodies and individual to assist the state government in sponsoring sporting activities in the state to attract more players to sport
“For long, the government alone has been sponsoring games and not all games are accorded with priority.
“If competitions can be organised frequently players will be exposed and sports will develop at grassroots level.
He added that Handball is a game that should be encouraged because it helps the youth leave the street and at the end of the day become professionals in the field.
“If Corporate bodies and private will come in and sponsor sporting activities, we will have more players that will represents the country at international tournaments.
Ten Handball teams participated in the championship – Abuja Veterans beat Kaduna Veterans 3-1 and Zonkwa Warriors lost to Kada professionals 1-4.
