Karate: Coach appeals to Jigawa Govt. for assistance

Mallam Abdulhadi Bilal, the Assistant Coach, Jigawa Gyakuryu Karate Team, has appealed to the State Government to give more attention to the development of the game.

Bilal told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Dutse that the disparity between Karate and other games was responsible for its declining standard in the state.

He said that if the Karate team were given the needed attention, it could compete and represent the state credibly at major national and international competitions.

The coach, therefore, urged the state Commissioner for Information and Sports, Alhaji Bala Muhammad, to restructure the team in order to attract youths to the profession.

According to him, restructuring Karate would also attract viable sponsors, noting that it was only through proper restructuring that the game could thrive.

Bilal further called on the government to provide the team with a permanent and suitable training site and kits.

“We want the government to provide us with our own training field and kits as Karate Gi, punching bag, kicking pad, hand gloves among others,” Bilal said.

He also called for the proper monitoring of the game so as to make it meet the expectation of the people.

The coach said that lack of proper government attention was responsible for people to under-rate Karate.

According to him, the government must do everything possible to encourage youths to join the sport by paying stipends and allowances to them.