Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has pledged support for the Nigerian Kabaddi team ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.

Otu gave the assurance when he received the Kabaddi delegation in Calabar, stressing that sports remains a priority of his administration because of its potential to create professional opportunities, empower youths and stimulate economic growth.

“It has actually been a policy to encourage sports in all ramifications of it,” the governor said.

He noted that sports has become a major avenue for professional advancement and financial benefits, adding that government is committed to creating an enabling environment for athletes to excel.

According to him, government alone cannot fund sports to modern standards, hence the need for private sector participation.

“The world over, it has become clear that government alone cannot sponsor sports. Private entities have to come into it to be able to provide the modern facilities that are required,” Otu said.

He commended the athletes for their dedication and assured them that government would assess appropriate support for their participation, urging them to return with medals that would inspire young Cross Riverians.

Otu also directed officials to facilitate the team’s travel arrangements to Lagos, including flight tickets, ahead of the championship.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Mr Daniel Damola, commended Otu as the first governor in Nigeria to endorse Kabaddi, noting that the sport, which is popular in Asia, is gaining ground in Africa.

Damola disclosed that Otu’s support was presented at a delegates meeting in Ahmedabad, India, where international representatives voted to recognise his contribution on October 29, 2026.

Technical Head, Mr Collins Eko, also praised the governor’s interest in sports and expressed confidence that the team would represent Cross River and Nigeria creditably, raising the profile of Kabaddi in the country.