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The Nigerian Badminton Federation has gained significant support for its community and top-level training programs after receiving gear from the Japanese Badminton Association as part of the Sport for Tomorrow project.

The award ceremony, which took place in Abuja, emphasized the expanding sports collaboration between Nigeria and Japan and drew prominent figures such as the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo; the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade; the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel; the Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President for Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adegboye.

Ambassador Suzuki referred to the donation as a representation of the long-standing friendship between Japan and Nigeria, highlighting that sports continue to be an effective means of fostering mutual understanding and global collaboration.

He stated that the donation is part of the Japanese government’s Sport for Tomorrow program, an effort aimed at promoting international sports exchanges, and that the project began through talks between Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and a member of the Badminton World Federation Council, and Mitsuru Murai, President of the Badminton Association of Japan and another Badminton World Federation Council Member. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs handled the international shipping expenses.

The donated items consist of 55 badminton rackets, 44 shuttlecocks, six racket covers, and three racket bags.

“We genuinely hope this donation will support the ongoing growth and advancement of badminton in Nigeria, allowing more individuals to partake in the sport and encouraging the younger generation to chase their athletic aspirations,” Ambassador Suzuki stated.

Orbih thanked the Badminton Association of Japan and the Japanese authorities, calling the contribution a crucial step for the development of the sport.

“We are extremely pleased as a federation. We regard this as a praiseworthy action, and we are eager to enhance this collaboration, as equipment plays a vital role in the growth of players,” he stated.

He revealed that the federation has also obtained an additional shipment of 500 badminton rackets, plus 100 nets and 200 shuttlecocks, calling it a significant achievement in tackling one of the major obstacles hindering badminton growth in Nigeria. Orbih mentioned that the federation is currently working on registering badminton academies throughout the nation and intends to introduce a National Badminton League as part of initiatives aimed at enhancing grassroots development.

Dikko praised the federation for securing strategic international partnerships that can revolutionize athlete development, highlighting that access to high-quality and specialized equipment would elevate training standards for Nigerian players and boost their competitiveness in global competitions. He also commended the Japanese government for the donation, calling it another significant step in the expanding cooperation between the two nations.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).