Sports

Japanese Embassy Donates over 100 Kendama Sports Kits to children in Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Japanese embassy to Nigeria has donated Kendama Sports equipment to over 100 Nigeria’s children as a way of promoting the game in the country.

Over the weekend, Tony International Gymnastics TIG Club of Nigeria in conjunction with Japan Embassy in Nigeria, introduced another brand new creative Sports called “Kendama Toothed Sport” to the country.

The first ever Kendama toothed Sports games took place at Moshood Abiola National stadium Gymnastic hall where children and parents in numbers learn how to play Kendama for the first time.

At the exhibition of the game, the Japanese Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi highlighted the importance of the kendama sports game.

He expressed that the game will help to build the physical, mental and social benefits including good aerobic exercise and development of concentration of children.

“By donating Kendama kits to children and their parents, I hope it will build family bonds and build children’s confidence. Playing kendama together can be fun and engaging activities, it will allow children to progress and achieve at their own pace.

“We hope this donation will give children in Nigeria the opportunity to learn and play Kendama and experience the benefit that comes with it.

“We also hope that this donation will help to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries and highlight the potential of kendama for social impact in Nigeria.

An elated Founder of TIG Club coach Anthony Asuoqo thanked the Japanese embassy for counting TIG Club worthy, saying the club is going to its best to promote the game in Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, the new game is about their mental alertness, it’s about techniques, and coordination.

“It’s a thing of joy for me that this game was introduced to Nigeria through TIG Club, today we have over 100 children and their parents.

“We will be working with the Japanese embassy to spread the game. We have determined to take this game to all the states, the game has to go round the country as well as all the gymnastics clubs and federations.”

It will be recalled that Japan Embassy and TIG Club of Abuja over the years had partnered with the aim of prospering sports in Nigeria.

There is no doubt the partner is now contributing to the growth and development of sports such as gymnastic, Karate, Taekwondo and now Kendama sports

However, The Kendama game is a traditional Japanese skill toy that consists of a handle (ken), a pair of cups (sarado), and a ball (tama) that are all connected together by a string.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

14 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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