Silas Agara, President, Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), says his election as 4th Vice-President of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK), is a call to do more for sports development in Nigeria.
Agara said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after his election on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the victory is not just for Nigeria but for the entire karate community in Nigeria and in West Africa.
“I’m quite happy. This is a victory for Nigeria and the entire karate family.
”This is a victory for West Africa, and it is a call of duty to do more for the development of the sport in Nigeria.
“This is a chance to develop sports, not just karate, so that we can be able to give a new leaf. I always want to support sports in Nigeria, not only karate,” he said.
Agara highlighted the cordial relationship between the federation and the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Malam Shehu Dikko.
“We are compelled to act, and we have a blueprint; we don’t embark on any programme without the support and backing of the sports commission.
“We need to support Malam Shehu Dikko so that he will be able to take sports to an enviable level in this country,” he said.
He pledged to support the country’s athletes in all their endeavours as they compete against top-ranked athletes from Morocco and Egypt.
“The Nigerian athletes are set to give their best in their competitions in spite of competing with world-ranked athletes.
“They have the full support of the federation; they are in good spirits, well-kitted, and motivated.
“We are competing against the best in the world; Morocco is here with 10 of the best in the world. Egypt is here with five of the best in the rankings.
“Our athletes are equal to the task; they should be encouraged,” he said.
Meanwhile Agara secured 20 votes out of 34 to emerge as 4th Vice-President of UFAK, against Congo DRC’s Freddy Kombo who garnered 14 votes during the election
Leave a Reply