In an exclusive interview with Coach Mimi, hailing from River State, the assistant coach for the female badminton team shared her candid insights into the 7th National Youth Games.
Coach Mimi did not hold back as she described her experience at the highly-anticipated event, shedding light on the challenges and concerns that have gripped this prestigious sporting spectacle.
Challenges at the 7th National Youth Games
Coach Mimi’s words resonated with a sense of disappointment as she reflected on the unfolding events at the games. She expressed, “It hasn’t been very palatable.
Seeing some malpractices around is not really encouraging. But what can we do about it? All the same, we give God the glory.” Her remarks raised eyebrows as they hinted at issues of fair play and integrity within the competition.
One of the key issues she brought to light was the questionable eligibility of some participants. Coach Mimi pointed out, “They call this game a Youth Game for under 15, we are seeing athletes more than 15 years of age participating in this game, and they are not stopped.” This revelation highlights a significant concern regarding age verification and adherence to the event’s regulations.
Mixed Feelings About Team Performance
When questioned about her team’s achievements at the National Youth Games, Coach Mimi displayed a balanced perspective. She stated, “So far with our piousness, I’ll say it’s okay. Even though we could have done better, we can’t say anything.” Her response showcased a coach’s unwavering dedication to her athletes while acknowledging room for improvement.
Addressing Malpractices and Corruption
Coach Mimi did not shy away from addressing the root causes of the malpractices plaguing the games. She candidly expressed, “This is Nigeria. There are a lot of malpractices, there are ways Nigerians find themselves maneuvering so many protocols. So this is Nigeria, even the system itself is not okay.” Her comments pointed to systemic issues that extend beyond the realm of sports and call for a broader societal and administrative overhaul.
Specifically, she criticized the National Identification Number (NIN) system, stating, “Maybe they should use another means of identification other than this NIN because it is not working.” Her suggestion highlights the need for reliable and tamper-proof methods of athlete identification and registration.
A Call for Reform in Reward Systems
When questioned about the motivations behind the malpractices witnessed at the games, Coach Mimi shared her perspective. “If this is a developmental tournament, everybody wants to win the medal. There was something at stake,” she explained.
In her opinion, the allure of medals and rewards may be fueling the unethical behaviors observed during the competition.
Coach Mimi proposed an alternative approach, suggesting that “they can pay school fees of winners.” She argued that this approach would not only encourage fair play but also ensure that the youth athletes continue their education.
Her insights shed light on the potential benefits of revising the reward system for sporting events.
In conclusion, Coach Mimi’s interview paints a vivid picture of the challenges and concerns surrounding the 7th National Youth Games.
Her words serve as a call to action, prompting a closer examination of the integrity of such sporting events and the need for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s sports administration.
