The president, Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, NMA, Henry George, on Thursday said its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, will be useful in combating crime.
George in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos said: “The sport is making waves around the country and don’t forget that MMA will be of many benefits to the NPF in combating crime.
“The sport is more of self defense and hand combat”.
He said the just concluded IGP Open National Mixed Martial Arts in Abuja, demonstrated the collaboration with the Police, adding that no fewer than 300 participants registered for the championship, and that some of them would represent the nation in national and international championships.
George disclosed that the NPF had approved the championship to strengthen the collaboration between it and the federation.
He stressed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was encouraging the collaboration with the Federation.
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“The IGP approved MMA and then the first national open championship took place.
“This was a very good decision and we were really excited about the development.
“This is the first of its kind and the NPF has been doing very well in the sport, also adopting the system.
“MMA can now have people from NPF that can represent the country in international events”, he said.
George expressed his excitement with the development, noting that the collaboration would be spread across the nation’s police force.
He added that plans were in progress to ensure that the sports made more impact in the 2024 Police Games.
“The police games is around the corner and we are looking at having the MMA as one of the sports in the games
“This means a lot of officers will be involved, this will be the first if its kind, and we are going to work tirelessly to ensure the sport will attracts more people”, he added.
Crediblenews reports that the just concluded first IGP Open National Mixed Martial Arts Championship took place at the Indoor Hall, Package ‘B’ of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4.
Crediblenews.ng
