In a move to revive traditional sports, Bauchi State has initiated efforts to bring back Langa, once one of the fastest-growing sports in Nigeria. Alhaji Inuwa Isah, a former board member of the Nigeria Traditional Sports Federation, announced this development during the ongoing Bauchi State Sports Festival on Saturday.
Langa, a traditional Nigerian sport, has seen a decline in recent years, missing out on significant events such as the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State. However, the introduction of Langa at the Bauchi State Sports Festival marks a new beginning for the sport.
The festival has provided a platform for over 800 athletes from Bauchi’s 20 Local Government Areas to participate in the Langa event, potentially discovering new talent and reshaping the mentality of younger athletes.
Alhaji Isah, also a member of the Nigeria Traditional Sports Federation’s Technical Committee, expressed optimism about the sport’s future. “Langa used to be one of the most famous traditional sports in Nigeria, but I cannot say the same today. The Bauchi State Sports Festival has produced an avenue for athletes to participate in the Langa event, which will help revive and rekindle the love of the game,” he stated.
Isah also highlighted the efforts of stakeholders who are working tirelessly to ensure that Langa does not fade into obscurity. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing about reintroducing Langa to the National Sports Festival. “Major stakeholders are rallying round to ensure the game does not die a natural death, and very soon, we will be having a series of National Championships,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of electing passionate individuals in the next elections to lead the federation and prevent dormancy.
The revival of Langa is not just about preserving a traditional sport but also about promoting cultural heritage. Isah called on the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to include all traditional sports in the National Sports Festival and find ways to incorporate them into the African Games. “We cannot be participating in European, Asian, and American sports while neglecting our indigenous sports,” he added.
The Bauchi State Sports Festival serves as a crucial platform for promoting traditional sports and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. By providing opportunities for young athletes to engage in traditional sports like Langa, the festival is helping to preserve cultural heritage and promote physical fitness among the youth.
Furthermore, securing sponsors and support from various stakeholders will be vital in sustaining the momentum of Langa’s revival. With proper funding and organizational support, Langa can regain its prominence and inspire a new generation of athletes who appreciate and participate in traditional Nigerian sports.
The efforts to revive Langa at the Bauchi State Sports Festival signify a promising future for traditional sports in Nigeria. By fostering a renewed interest in Langa, stakeholders hope to reestablish it as a beloved sport and ensure its inclusion in national and international sporting events. The collaboration between athletes, stakeholders, and government bodies will be instrumental in achieving this goal, paving the way for a brighter future for traditional sports in Nigeria.
