Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Abia, says the state government is committed to developing teqball into a vibrant sport capable of empowering youths and producing elite athletes.
Ananaba said this on Thursday at the opening of the maiden National Teqball League tagged “Aba 2026,” currently holding at the Aba Sports Club in Aba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that players from the six geo-political zones are competing for honours at the tournament, which is hosted by the Abia Government and organised by the Nigeria Teqball Federation in conjunction with the Abia State Teqball Association.
The commissioner said the state had demonstrated strong commitment to the growth of the sport through deliberate investments and grassroots development initiatives.
He noted that the government had procured teqball equipment to promote the game at the grassroots level and sustain youth participation.
“We want to make teqball one of the vibrant sports in Abia because of its potential to positively engage our youths and make them great.
“The state’s consistent hosting of teqball competitions underscores its determination to institutionalise the sport.
“We hosted the 2024 Teqball World Championship qualifiers, and we have also established a league.
“We are hosting the league this time around and it will be sustained,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would produce athletes capable of representing the state at national and international competitions.
“We are looking forward to producing athletes who will represent Abia at both national and international levels and make the state proud.”
Frank Nwachi, Chairman, Abia State Teqball Association, said the state hosted teqball competition in 2024 and have also participated in various competitions outside the state.
“The can now boast of positive experience from hosting and participating in teqball competitions and will always do well.
“We have players always ready for competitions and we also have underage players that will takeover from the aging ones, to ensure consistency,” Nwachi added.
The league, which began on March 25 with group stage matches, will run until March 27, while the medal events are scheduled for March 28.
