I Div. emerges champions of 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival

Chief of Army Staff Buratai (left) and other officers during a visit to the sports minister Solomon Dalung

The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Saturday emerged champions of the 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival with 118 medals.

The 1 Division, who were the defending champions, clinched 45 gold, 32 silver and 41 bronze medals, to beat the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQG) to the second spot with 103 medals.

The 103 medals are made up of 32 gold, 31 silver and 40 bronze.

The 81 Division came third with a total of 94 medals comprising 31 gold, 26 silver and 37 bronze medals.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Minister of Defence, retired Brig-Gen Mansur Dan Ali, said the festival would provide more cohesion in the military.

“Sports and physical training are inseparable from the military because of the need for the personnel to be fit to be able to fight at all times.

“Maintaining good health and physical fitness is required by all to perform our daily task effectively, hence the need for more events like this.”

Dan Ali, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, urged the military authorities to further improve on the standard of the games.

Earlier, the minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, said that the Nigerian Army would be good partners in progress in the development of sports in Nigeria.

He said that with the talents harvested during the festival, Nigeria would soon take its rightful place in the world of sports.

A renowned marathoner, Abbas Mohammed put off the festival torch at 5.30 p.m. to bring the week-long event to a close.

Activities to mark the closing ceremony included the finals of the 100m, race as well as 4x100m and 4×400 combat relays for men and women.

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