By Dotun Omisakin
In a bid to forestall age cheating in subsequent National Youths Games, the federal government has said that participation of athletes will require the use of National Identity Management Commission registration.
The sport minister Mr. Sunday Dare disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the 6th edition of the National Youths Games in Ilorin, frowning against age cheat that enveloped in this just concluded sporting event.
Dare added that scientific and digital means will be deployed for screening process in the next edition, adding that athletes and states that engaged in malpractices will face the wrath of the ministry.
“I also need to condemn and express my disappointment about the ugly problems of age cheating that reared its head at these games.
“This measure is needed to avoid losing out on a possible potential medalist being screened out as over aged while they are not.
“We will consider the NIMC registration as a requirement going forward.
“There will be a need for all athletes to have NIMC registration before they can participate henceforth.
“We will ensure that we adopt more scientific and digital means of identifying age cheats next time and mete out stiff penalties to the offending athletes and States.” He said.
Explaining about these new modalities, he said: “This will in turn, prevent the over aged athletes to be easily identified and screened out in other not to deny qualified athletes a future in their chosen sports.” He said.
He congratulated the athletes and closed this year edition.
“I hereby declare the 6th National Youth Games closed.” He said.