Commander wants personnel integrated into sports programs — Nigeria — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Commander of the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), Major General John Ochai, has urged the Federal Ministry of Sports to integrate more military personnel into their sports programmes.

The Commander made the call during the opening ceremony of the (NDA), Cadets Bridge Inter Battalion Sports Week in Kaduna, saying the military and sports share the same commitment to excellence.

The Commander noted that some of the military personnel selected to participate in competitions, both local and international, are excelling.

While Ochai noted that physical fitness is the foundation of any fighting force, he also emphasized that “you have to have a background in sports to be able to extend it to the men,” adding that as a leader you have to be physically fit. and always mentally fit.

He added that the NDA wants to build the spirit of sportsmanship among the officer cadets.

“It builds in them that kind spirit and behavior that we want them to imbibe as leaders. By doing so, they will be able to train the men under their command,” Ochai said.

“In any sporting activity, excellence is always rewarded, just like in military training. Once success has been achieved in military operations or in battle, there will be relish in the conquest of success, and this also applies in the field of sports.”

In his opening address, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, described that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been the shining light of Nigerian sports progress and achievements.

Enoh said he supported the game because it had produced renowned athletes in the past.

“I appreciate the fact that the Armed Forces is at the forefront of sports development in the country, with many awards and medals won internationally from those who are part of the Armed Forces,” he said.

Enoh stated that the tradition of supporting the armed forces and their sports would continue, while reiterating his commitment to do more to ensure that the interests of President Bola Tinubu, who is passionate about sports, are protected.

“The president is passionate about sports and he will continue to do a lot about it,” he said.

According to the minister, the sports week was an epitome of the best that could come from the games, which would produce men and women who would compete for Nigeria in the near future and win at local and international competitions.

He urged the participating cadets to do their best, noting that there were always trophies for success.

The week-long event will feature athletics competitions in basketball, handball, volleyball, judo, boxing wrestling, tug-of-war, badminton and table tennis, among others. The athletes were from the battalions of Mogadishu, Dalet, Burma and Abyssinia.