Ogun Intensifies Preparations for Forthcoming National Intermediate Sports Competition

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Ogun State has stepped up preparations for the National Intermediate Games scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 1 to 15, with the Ogun State Boxing Association concluding the 16th edition of the Wale Edun Boxing Hall of Fame at the weekend, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The competition, sponsored by former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, was held at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, the state capital, as part of preparations for the state’s young boxers aged 15 to 19 ahead of the national event.

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In the bouts decided, Adedokun Basit narrowly defeated Oladele Waris in the 47kg class by a split decision of 3-2, while Adeniran Quyum dominated his 60kg fight against Najeem Rasaq, winning by a unanimous decision of 5-0. Atanda Ayomide also secured a unanimous 5-0 victory over Olanipekun Sofiu in the 55kg bout.

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In the female category, Ganiyat Lawal defeated Oyinkansola Odesanya by a unanimous decision of 5-0 in the 54kg class, while Roqibat Alayande defeated Khadijat Hassan by a split decision of 4-1 in the 47kg contest. Sukurat Taiwo also beat Omotayo Salaudeen by the same scoreline in the 50kg class.

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Other bouts saw Adewale Idris knock out Najeem Roqib in the second round of the 40kg contest, while Abdul-Salam Fatiu defeated Michael Omotayo by a unanimous decision of 5-0 in the 60kg contest.

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Acting Director of Sports, Seyi Sonde, officials of the State Sports Council and other stakeholders witnessed the competition, which formed part of the build-up towards the maiden National Intermediate Games, a competition recently introduced by the National Sports Commission to strengthen the transition from grassroots to elite sports for emerging athletes.

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Lagos State, hosts of the inaugural edition, has also continued preparations, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently leading a facility inspection alongside the Main Organising Committee. Rehabilitation work is also ongoing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, with the facility expected to be delivered by September.

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