Tosin Adeyanju, the acting executive secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, has expressed optimism about the future of Sepaktakraw in Nigeria following the sport’s first-ever demonstration in the country.

The official was reacting to the demonstration match held at the Indoor Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Mr Adeyanju described the event as historic, noting that although sepaktakraw was being introduced in Nigeria for the first time, the sport is already played in more than 60 countries worldwide.

“From what I have seen, sepaktakraw has a very bright future and strong prospects in the country. The sport combines elements of two globally recognised games, making it attractive, easy to learn and entertaining.

“Its simplicity, low risk of injury and entertainment value make it suitable for rapid development and mass participation. This is a sport of the future. What we have seen today is just a demonstration, but when fully developed, it can rank among the best sports,” he said.

The NLTF boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sports development, describing it as one of its core mandates.

He noted that many participants at the event were NLTF staff and added that the fund would continue to support initiatives that promote youth engagement through sports.

Mr Adeyanju also advocated introducing sepaktakraw at the grassroots level, particularly in primary and secondary schools, to facilitate early talent identification and development.

The chairman of the Kano Pillars Sepaktakraw Team, Nasiru Isa, said the team had recorded significant progress since commencing training more than seven months ago.

Mr Isa said sepaktakraw activities had expanded in Kano, with five teams currently participating in the sport aside from the Kano Pillars team.

He said the team had 15 registered players and reserves, adding that the sport is open to players of all ages, including those with backgrounds in conventional football.

According to him, the existing age categories include Under-10, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20.

Mr Isa said the sport had the potential to positively engage unemployed youths and contribute to social and economic development.

He added that plans were underway to organise inter-local government and inter-state competitions later in the year, noting that sepaktakraw is played at the World Cup level, with international competitions held several times a year.

Sepaktakraw is a Southeast Asian sport combining elements of volleyball and football, played with a rattan ball over a net using only the feet, knees, chest and head.

(NAN)