The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday assured athletes representing the country in various competitions that the ministry would stand with them in any situation.
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A statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by Kola Daniels, Media Assistant to the minister, said that Dare made the pledge while receiving representatives of the victorious Team Nigeria, to the Powerlifting World Cup.
The Para athletes nicknamed ‘The Unstoppable’, won the just-concluded Powerlifting World Cup which ended on Feb. 7.
A total of 10 junior and 20 senior athletes presented Nigeria at the tournament that had 13 countries in attendance.
Nigeria won six gold medals in the Junior Category and 11 gold medals plus five silver medals in the senior category.
In addition, the team broke three world records in Para Powerlifting.
The minister thanked the team for staying focused in the face of provocations and making the country proud.
He added that the ministry is backed by law to supervise the activities of sporting federations and pledged do its best in protecting Nigerian athletes at all times.
“The ministry will intervene anywhere Nigeria’s sporting interests, glory and reputation is at stake.
“The ministry will not interfere; that’s why you have a board. And I want to advise, whatever the issues are, the board should do its work.
“The ministry will provide the necessary support for the forthcoming competition billed to hold in Dubai and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” Dare said.