Joel Ajayi
Tony International Gymnastics ,TIG, Nigeria’s foremost gymnastics club, successfully hosted a series of competitions across four venues in Abuja, providing a platform for participants from various backgrounds to showcase their talents.
The week-long event kicked off at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with the Recreational Level 1 & 3 Gymnastics Competition, featuring over 40 young participants, including the daughter of Seyi Tinubu.
On Tuesday, the competition moved to Julius Berger Estate, where another group of young gymnasts competed in the same category. By Thursday, the focus shifted to public schools and other community participants with a Schools Level 1, 2 & 3 Competition, aimed at broadening inclusivity.
The grand finale, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, showcased Level 1–10 and High-Performance Gymnastics, where top athletes competed for titles in various categories.
Speaking at the finale, TIG President Tony Asuquo reflected on the demanding but rewarding week:
“These activities are crucial for assessing the progress of our gymnasts. For high-performance athletes, it’s a step toward aligning with Federation Internationale de Gymnastique ,FIG, standards as we prepare for the 2028 Olympics”.
He also emphasized the need for government support:
“The government must create an enabling environment for private academies to thrive. While private initiatives drive growth, they need the backing of a supportive system”.
Asuquo commended the efforts of Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and Director General Bukola Olopade, for taking bold steps to revitalize Nigerian sports.
“Their early actions demonstrate a deep understanding of what our sports sector needs, and this is the kind of leadership we require”.
The competitions not only highlighted the growth of gymnastics in Nigeria but also reinforced TIG’s commitment to nurturing talent and advancing the sport nationally.
