The National Sports Commission has clarified misconceptions relating to the sports for the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu State, confirming that twenty (20) sports have been picked to feature at the Games.
The NSC said the clarification has become very important to set the records straight following the meeting of the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, with States' Directors of Sports held in Abuja.
The DG reiterated the Commission's exclusive rights to organize and coordinate the National Sports Festival and reaffirmed that the decision to reduce the number of sports to 20 was taken at the last National Council on Sports meeting held in Calabar, in consideration of the prevailing economic realities in the country.
The DG further explained that the Commission's decision to come up with a list of 20 sports for the games is in line with the model being used for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where some sports were being merged.
The Sports Commission assured that there will be an improved communication with states on matters relating to the Sports Festival through the Director of Sports.
The list of the 20 sports approved for the Coal City Games, Enugu 2026, are:
Athletics and Para Athletics
Badminton and Para Badminton
Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball (3x3)
Boxing
Canoeing and Para Canoeing
Cricket
Cycling
Darts
Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Judo
Mixed Martial Arts
Shooting and Para Shooting
Swimming
Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
Tennis
Taekwondo
Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
Wrestling
The meeting with the NSC Director General had in attendance the States' Directors of Sports representing the six geo-political zones, the Director of the National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department, alongside other critical sports stakeholders.
This strategic alignment ensures that the upcoming festival remains sustainable while maintaining a high standard of competition across the country. By focusing on these selected disciplines, the NSC aims to deliver a streamlined and impactful event that showcases the best of Nigerian athletic talent in Enugu.
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