In a move aimed at dispelling confusion, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that 20 sports will be featured in the upcoming 23rd National Sports Festival, known as the Coal City Games, set to take place in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
This clarification follows a meeting between NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade and the Directors of Sports from various states held in Abuja, where it was deemed essential to address misconceptions regarding the sports selection for the event.
NSC Justifies Sports Reduction Amid Economic Constraints
The Director General emphasized the NSC’s exclusive authority to organize the National Sports Festival and explained that the decision to limit the number of sports to 20 was made during the recent National Council on Sports meeting in Calabar. This reduction was largely influenced by the economic conditions currently affecting the country.
“The decision aims to streamline the festival and ensure that it is financially sustainable,” said Olopade, underlining the challenges faced by the sports sector. He also noted that the streamlined approach mirrors the changes being made for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where some sports will be combined.
To enhance coordination, the NSC has committed to improve communication with state representatives regarding festival-related matters through their respective Directors of Sports.
Confirmed Sports for the Coal City Games
The following 20 sports have been approved for the Coal City Games:
1. Athletics and Para Athletics
2. Badminton and Para Badminton
3. Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball (3×3)
4. Boxing
5. Canoeing and Para Canoeing
6. Cricket
7. Cycling
8. Darts
9. Football
10. Golf
11. Gymnastics
12. Judo
13. Mixed Martial Arts
14. Shooting and Para Shooting
15. Swimming
16. Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
17. Tennis
18. Taekwondo
19. Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
20. Wrestling
The meeting was well attended by Directors of Sports from the six geopolitical zones, the Director of the National Sports Festival and Para Sports Department, along with other key stakeholders, marking a critical step in the preparations for the festival.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
