Afro-Asian Games good example
Monday Sport Opinion:<br>THE just-concluded first Afro-Asian Games hosted by India, have been rated a success by many observers
Monday Sport Opinion
By Louis Jadwong
Sports Editor
THE just-concluded first Afro-Asian Games hosted by India, have been rated a success by many observers.
Any observer coming straight from the chaos that characterised Abuja 2003 to the tranquillity of Hyderabad can only give a thumbs up to India.
While the number of athletes Hyderabad hosted is far less than those in Abuja, with competition in only eight disciplines, the fact that the experience of hosting the All Africa Games dates back to 1965, leaves Nigeria with no valid excuses.
The soccer World Cup or Olympics in Nigeria? No one who had the misfortune to witness Abuja 2003, where even basics like presentation of medals were often mishandled, can vote yes.
While one could get a minute-by-minute update of all the action at the Afro-Asian Games off a website, no such thing existed in Abuja.
What we all learn from Nigeria, is that it requires much more than world class facilities to host international competitions. Superior organisation, like India’s, is what earns countries the right to host future sports showpieces.
By Louis Jadwong
Sports Editor
THE just-concluded first Afro-Asian Games hosted by India, have been rated a success by many observers.
Any observer coming straight from the chaos that characterised Abuja 2003 to the tranquillity of Hyderabad can only give a thumbs up to India.
While the number of athletes Hyderabad hosted is far less than those in Abuja, with competition in only eight disciplines, the fact that the experience of hosting the All Africa Games dates back to 1965, leaves Nigeria with no valid excuses.
The soccer World Cup or Olympics in Nigeria? No one who had the misfortune to witness Abuja 2003, where even basics like presentation of medals were often mishandled, can vote yes.
While one could get a minute-by-minute update of all the action at the Afro-Asian Games off a website, no such thing existed in Abuja.
What we all learn from Nigeria, is that it requires much more than world class facilities to host international competitions. Superior organisation, like India’s, is what earns countries the right to host future sports showpieces.