By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 19, 2024 (NAN) The International Rowing Federation (IRF) has expressed optimism that Nigeria could become a great rowing country, if given the needed support.
Sahbi Khardani, a member of World Rowing, IRF, made the remarks at the end of a week-long inaugural world rowing coaches and umpiring training at the Jabi Lake, Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 20 participants, including 10 umpires and 11 coaches took part in the programme which held from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19.
Khardani, who is also an international coach from Tunisia and technical delegate with the World Rowing Federation, said Nigeria has the potential to become a force to reckon with in the sport of rowing.
While noting that Nigeria can achieve great success is in water sports with the presence of a huge number of water bodies, Khardani said the IRF team was in Nigeria to see how to help the country develop the game.
“First of all, I want to thank the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation and the World Rowing for giving us this opportunity to share all our knowledge about rowing.
“With a huge number of water bodies here, there is a major natural resource that can be exploited to popularise this sport.
“At present, the international scene does not have a proper representation of rowing, canoe and sailing.
“These can fetch Nigeria alot of medals in international competitions such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
“The development of a strategic program for talent identification and training, coupled with investments in the required equipment and facilities, will serve as a springboard for Nigeria to become a powerhouse in these areas of specialization,” he said.
Ines Hafsa, an International Umpire for World Rowing Umpiring Commission, said her goal was to give the basics of the statute of umpires for rowing at the national level.
Hafsa said Nigeria has the opportunity to use the platform to develop and become part of a big project.
“I had 10 trainers who signed up for umpiring, some of whom were former rowers and members of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe, and Sailing Federation.
“So, most of them already had an idea on the basics of rowing, while just handful were new to the sport,” she said.
Hafsa, who is also the president of the Tunisian Rowing Federation, stressed that Nigerian umpires had all it took to represent the African continent in international competitions and make a name for themselves in the sport.
NAN reports that the highlight of the course/training was the presentation of certificates to all the participants after undergoing a series of examinations and training.(NAN)
