By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has further broadened the horizon for sportsmen and women to excel in their careers with the unveiling of an Olympic-standard Boxing Ring at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The new boxing ring, which is expected to not only take away iver-dependence on obsolete and ageing rings that had been in used for about two decades in the state but also to offer a more durable and comfortable alternative.
The facility came few months after the state government had taken delivery of well-equipped gym that has since been put to use by athletes.
Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey at the unveiling ceremony weekend, said the new facility is part of a wider range of sports equipment recently procured by his ministry as part of efforts to develop, promote and reposition sports in the state.
Bassey said the equipment is expected to serve for championships as well as training hub for amateur and aspiring professional boxers across the state, in order to produce professional fighters.
According Elder Bassey, the boxing ring is designed not only for boxing but also for other martial arts disciplines, broadening its usability for athletes across different sports.
It is also an indication of the state government’s deliberate commitment to reviving combat sports and creating pathways for young talents to compete nationally and internationally.
He further noted that the ministry has, for the first time in many years, provided equipment to over 90 per cent of sporting associations in the state.
“We now have a well-equipped gym and while unveiling earlier equipment, we mentioned that more were expected. Today, we have taken delivery of this brand new boxing ring, one of those anticipated items,” he added.
“Our goal is to produce world-class professional boxers who will fly the Akwa Ibom and Nigerian flags at global tournaments, including the Olympics and professional circuits,” the commissioner declared.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for prioritizing sports development in the state.
He highlighted the positive impact of the new equipment on athletes’ performances, referencing the recently concluded Niger Delta Games in Edo State.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsidibe John lauded the efforts of the ministry in acquiring more sports equipment for the state.
He said that the boxing ring would significantly boost athletes’ training and preparation for competitions, Comrade John urged the ministry to prioritize maintenance of the equipment
Reacting to the development, the state boxing coach, Effiong Asuquo, expressed gratitude to the ministry and advised aspiring boxers to take advantage of the new facility to develop themselves and state government.
The unveiling ceremony featured exhibition bouts across different categories, including the boys’ 44kg, women’s 65kg, and men’s 75kg divisions.
