Niger State Director of Sports, Alhaji Baba Sheshi Katcha, has observed that the ongoing inter-local government badminton championship organised by the state badminton association in honour of the state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, was a step in the right direction.
The director made this observation while speaking to sports journalists at the Minna Sports Club complex yesterday, saying the championship was a welcome development.
He added that the championship was the first of its kind in the history of badminton associations in the state, saying that even though badminton is played across the state, this was the first time players of badminton were gathered from various local governments of the state to compete amongst themselves in one centre.
He said from the games he had watched so far, the championship was living up to expectations, saying the turnout was impressive and the competitive spirit exhibited by the players was encouraging.
The state director of sports also expressed optimism that a lot of discoveries would be made during the championship and believed that the state badminton technical crew led by Coach Ismaila would be able to pencil down some players that would be nurtured to feature for the state in national competitions.
While appreciating and commending the association under the leadership of Hon. Mohammed Nma Kolo for organising the championship, the state director of sports assured the association that the ministry was proud of the milestone achievement by the association and would always support them where necessary.
Meanwhile, the championship had so far gotten to a climax as some local governments had reached the medal stage.