6,000 athletes, officials for Nigeria Police Games in Asaba

At least 6,000 athletes from across Commands of the Nigeria Police Force are taking part in the week-long 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA) in Asaba, Delta State. The Games which commenced on February 14 to last till February 21 in Asaba is featuring about 37 sporting events, including the newly introduced mixed-martial arts and other […]

At least 6,000 athletes from across Commands of the Nigeria Police Force are taking part in the week-long 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA) in Asaba, Delta State.

The Games which commenced on February 14 to last till February 21 in Asaba is featuring about 37 sporting events, including the newly introduced mixed-martial arts and other new events aimed at modernising the competition and widening participation.

Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Games, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Fom-Bam Joseph, said all the contingents progressed through state, zonal and inter-zonal qualifying rounds to qualify for the Games.

“Every Police Command is represented across the 17 zones and the Force Headquarters team, ensuring nationwide participation, turning the games into one of the largest uniformed sport gatherings in the country,” he said.

He explained that while the competition does not operate a strict universal age categorisation across all events, organisers have created a veterans’ category to ensure fairness and safety.

Joseph added that sports such as mixed-martial arts would naturally exclude much older participants from facing significantly younger officers.

He said “So many officers currently competing have already featured in national sporting events, including footballers attached to the Police team competing in the country’s league system.”

The Assistant Inspector General of Police said one of the core objectives of BIPOGA is to discover and groom more talented athletes capable of flying the nation’s flag globally.