National Sports Commission has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with competition regulations at the third National Para Games, warning that states that registered athletes but failed to participate will face sanctions, including suspension from para events at the National Sports Festival, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
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The Commission said on Friday that the decision is part of efforts to promote professionalism, fairness and discipline within para sports, stressing that adherence to established rules is essential to sustaining the credibility of sports development in Nigeria.
The Commission said on Friday that the decision is part of efforts to promote professionalism, fairness and discipline within para sports, stressing that adherence to established rules is essential to sustaining the credibility of sports development in Nigeria.
Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, emphasised that the enforcement of regulations is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all athletes while protecting the integrity of the competition. He noted that the Commission would not compromise on its guidelines.
He explained that the rules governing the National Para Games are clear and must be respected by all participating states, adding that accountability remains central to the growth of the sport.
“We must be deliberate about building a system that rewards commitment and respects structure. The rules guiding the National Para Games are clear, and we have a responsibility to uphold them without compromise,” the DG said.
The Commission confirmed that under Article 13(V) of the competition rules and regulations, any state that registered athletes for the Games but failed to participate will be barred from competing in para events at the next National Sports Festival. It said the provision empowers the organising committee to enforce discipline and ensure compliance across the board.
Olopade further stressed that Nigeria’s strong tradition in para sports must be preserved through proper structures that support talent identification, development and fair competition.
“Nigeria has long maintained a reputation for excellence in para sports, even at the Paralympic Games. The Commission is therefore determined to sustain this legacy by strengthening structures that promote talent discovery, development, and fair competition,” the DG added.
The warning comes shortly after the conclusion of the third National Para Games, where Enugu State emerged overall champions after topping the medal table with 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals.
Bayelsa State finished second with 25 gold, 30 silver and 34 bronze medals, while Edo State placed third with 25 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals.
Rivers State and Lagos State completed the top five, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Rivers secured 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals, while Lagos recorded 20 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze medals as the competition concluded at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
