The directive was issued following a high-level strategic assembly between the Most important Organising Committee (MOC) and the Native Organising Committee (LOC) of the Video games on Monday
Because the 2024 Nationwide Sports activities Pageant, Gateway Video games, continues to captivate sports activities lovers throughout the nation, the Nationwide Sports activities Fee (NSC) has stated that no athlete with anti-doping points will probably be allowed to compete for medals.
The directive was issued following a high-level strategic assembly between the Most important Organising Committee (MOC) and the Native Organising Committee (LOC) of the Video games on Monday, which the Fee described as a transfer to uphold world greatest practices and guarantee clear and honest competitors.
Upholding the spirit of honest play
Talking on the assembly, NSC Director Common, Bukola Olopade, careworn the significance of defending the integrity of Nigeria’s greatest multi-sport occasion by implementing anti-doping guidelines in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) Code.
“The problem of anti-doping is one essential mandate of the Fee to make sure that Nigeria is devoid of drug issues at each home and worldwide competitions,” Mr Olopade stated.
He emphasised that the NSC is totally dedicated to wash sport and referred to as on all taking part states to strictly adhere to the principles.
“We’re completely satisfied now that the Nationwide Anti-Doping Regulation has lastly been handed by our sports-loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ripple impact of such a landmark feat should swiftly be felt in our sports activities, beginning with the present Sports activities Pageant,” he added.
Athletes barred from medal occasions
Following the implementation of the anti-doping directive, the NSC has launched an inventory of six athletes barred from competing for medals on the ongoing competition resulting from unresolved doping points.
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These athletes embody:
Marcus Okon (Para Athletics, Akwa Ibom State)
Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Gymnastics, Bayelsa State)
Kareem Shukurat (Kickboxing, Lagos State)
Omole Dolapo Joshua (Kickboxing, Bayelsa State)
Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Kickboxing, Bayelsa State)
Animashaun Sofia (Para Powerlifting, Lagos State)
Whereas these athletes might stay registered on the Video games, they’re ineligible to compete for scoring medals of their respective sports activities.
A brand new period of accountability
The Gateway Video games 2024 is the primary Nationwide Sports activities Pageant to be held after the passage of the Nationwide Anti-Doping Regulation, a legislative milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to align with worldwide requirements.
With over 16,000 athletes and officers taking part on this version, the NSC’s zero-tolerance stance is being hailed as a important step in the direction of restoring public belief in Nigerian sports activities, guaranteeing honest play, and making ready the nation for future continental and world competitions.
Because the competition continues throughout venues in Abeokuta and different elements of Ogun State, the anti-doping clampdown sends a transparent message: in Nigerian sports activities, integrity is non-negotiable.
