BY SAB OSUJI

Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Bayelsa State, has disclosed that Team Bayelsa are not participating in the ongoing National Youth Games, NYG, in Asaba with the 'ultimate ambition of winning medals', Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Igali, who is President of the Wresting Federation of Nigeria, flew in from Belgrade where he oversaw three time Commonwealth Games female wrestler Odunayo Adekuroye, become the first Nigerian Women wrestler to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

 He spoke to sports journalists on Sunday at the Media Center of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, emphasising that Bayelsa State is not driven by the ultimate desire to win medals for the state, 'but to haunt for more talented athletes that will replace aging ones in international championships'.

He decried the syndrome of 'wanting to win at all costs', saying it was usually a product of 'intense pressure' on officials which eventually snowballs into doping and other ills in sports.

He charged state Governors across the Country to genuinely invest in sports programs and to formulate policies that are tailored towards stemming the ugly trend of social vices in the country.

Igali expressed dismay over non budgetary provision for the Wresting Federation, despite positive impression Nigerian wrestlerd have made in major World competitions.

"But I believe that appropriate budgeting for Federations will enhance their performance", the former wrestler submitted.