By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina
Katsina State Government will partner with any organization within and outside the country willing to contribute in bringing more development to traditional boxing in the state, the state Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu Zango has said.
The Commissioner was speaking to journalists at the final of a traditional boxing championship organized by Dambe warriors Lagos, held at Dr . Mamman Shata Open Air theatre, Kofar Guga in Katsina metropolis,
Dr Salisu Zango said already, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved for the initiative of grassroot sports development across the 34 local government councils in the state.
Consequently, the Ministry of Information would embark on selecting talented youth in the state for “Dambe, Langa” and other traditionally oriented sports.
Dr. Zango commended the Dambe warriors, Circle fight 11 of Lagos for organizing the game in Katsina where traditional boxers from all over the Country are participating.
This, he said, is highly commendable and the partnership with Dambe warriors will help government to organise similar inter local government traditional boxing championship in the 34 local government areas which would commence soon.
Mostly, the championship was participated by traditional boxers from Kudu, Arewa and Gurumada Sects which were in light, middle and heavy weights.
“The matches played during the closing of the Championship include the one between Manu Shagon Garkuwan Chindo from Gurumada Sect and his counterpart of Kudu Autan Kudawa, while Bahagon Nasarawa Slugged it with Bahagon Zayyanu.”
Similarly, Garkuwan Kurma Slugged it with Yar Mage of Kudu Sect, in addition to another encounter between Dogon Messi and Zazu Shagon Alin Bata Isarka.
On the other hand, there was another encounter between Bahagon Yan Sanda and Ramadan who are all from Arewa Side while Yahaya Tarasa Slugged it with Ali Kanin Bello among other encounters.
During all the encounters, the Boxers displayed their talents to the admiration of thousands of Spectators and other traditional boxing lovers, who thronged the Dr.Mamman Shata Open Air Theatre to witness the final of the Championship.
In his remarks, the Co – founder of Dambe Warriors Mr.Chidi Anyina, said similar Championship was held in Lagos and Kano States, assuaring that similar one would hold in other places.
Mr.Chidi Anyina appreciated all their partners for their contribution towards the successful conduct of the Championship.
The Dambe Warriors Co – Founder also appreciated the warm reception accorded to them by Government and people of Katsina State, assuaring that they would continue to contribute to the development of Hausa Traditional Boxing.
Others who spoke at the event include:- the representative of Magajin Garin Katsina and Wakilin Kudu Alhaji Audu Iliyasu and Alhaji Babangida Shinkafi among others.
They expressed satisfaction over the maturity exhibited by the boxers through out the championship.
