Balogun calls for more competitionDELTA and Lagos I will lock horns in the female category of today's opening game, as the Sam Ocheho Invitational Handball Championship resumes at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park. Yaba.Both teams are on top of the log after amassing the same number of points before yesterday's break and this game could decide which wins the title. In other games, Osun takes on Lagos II in the female category while in the male category, Lagos II takes on Ekiti, Ogun confronts Delta and Lagos I, which is the leader in the male category, battles Osun.The participating teams and their officials took time out yesterday for a get-together at the beach. Some of them were in pensive mood ahead of today's games but also used their visit to the beach to build up their stamina by running on the sand.Those who are riding high would aim to consolidate their places at the top while those trailing would be hoping to do better. Technical Director of the event, Moses Balogun, commended the standard of the competition and praised the players for putting up a good show.He said the competition has been very interesting and has thrown up a lot of surprises: 'I must admit that what I have seen here is an indication that the National Sports Festival will be tough.'It has been very interesting and some players and teams have really improved. I am impressed with what I have witnessed so far and we are in for a tough battle as the event resumes today.'Balogun also said they have been no pushovers in the competition and the games have been closely fought. He commended Ocheho for putting the championship together and called on other well-meaning stakeholders to emulate the gesture.He also called for regular championships that would aid the development of handball, which was one of the leading sports, saying: 'The only way we can bring handball back to the top is to organise regular championships, with everyone involved in the running of the game showing sincerity, commitment, seriousness and passion for the game.'If we can do all these, there is hope for us at international competitions. The Handball Federation of Nigerian must put in place a long-term programme that will help develop the sports from grassroots. This will involve the organising of youth championship that will throw up talents that would become future stars.
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