Judo: Athletes ‘ll Be Priority Of Our Board, Says Ilya

Speaking in an exclusive telephone interview with P.M.EXPRESS, Ilya said sports was all about the athletes.

He noted “Without the athletes, there is nothing like sports.So for any sport to flourish, the athletes must be taken good care of”.

Ilya who is still an active judoka in the colours of the Nigeria Immigration Service said he would ensure that judokas got more local championships and regular international outings in the present dispensation.

According to the board member “The only way to boost the standard of judo in the country is to provide more competitions for the judokas both locally and internationally”.

The NIS officer expressed optimism that the current crop of judokas can re-enact the glorious days of Nigerian judo.

“I have faith in our current crop of judokas. They can achieve the landmark feats of the late ’80s and ’90s if they are encouraged with regular championships and enhanced welfare packages.”

Ilya also appealed to companies and public spirited individuals to support Nigerian judo by way of sponsorships.

“I would like to appeal to public-spirited individuals and companies to support judo with sponsorship because the progress of the sport depends on such support” he said.