The joint technical committee for the 1st National Intermediate Games has rolled out several rules to guide competitors in some athletics events as well as in taekwondo and weightlifting at the forthcoming multiple-sports gathering in Lagos.
Sports247 reports that, while mentioning the 5,000 metres event specifically in athletics, the technical committee also approved several adjustments to the programme and schedule of competitions at the Games tagged EKO 2026.
Consequently, the 5,000m event has been approved as an official medal event, while weightlifting laurels will be awarded based on athletes’ overall results in each approved category combining results of snatch as well as clean and jerk.
These clarifications, as well as several other pronouncements for issues concerning logistics, accreditation and facilities, were discussed during the latest meeting of the joint technical committee, which took place in Surulere, Lagos.
A media statement from the National Sports Commission (NSCi) added, “The Mixed Team event in Taekwondo was removed from the official programme, while Netball and Teqball will be conducted as demonstration sports and will not form part of the official medal programme.
“On Games operations, the committee directed strict compliance with accreditation timelines, stressing that only duly accredited athletes, officials and authorized Games personnel will have access to competition venues, operational areas and approved Games Village facilities.
“The meeting noted that 16 hostels comprising 38 buildings, with approximately 12,800 beds, have been identified to meet the accommodation requirements of the Games. The Lagos State LOC was directed to ensure that the facilities have adequate security, water, electricity, standby power, cleaning, maintenance and fumigation before the arrival of contingents.
“In line with the welfare of young athletes, the committee adopted a decentralized catering model designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays associated with movement across the different geographical clusters of Lagos. Breakfast and dinner will be provided at designated accommodation locations, while lunch will be decentralized to competition venues.
“Two meal options will be provided for each meal, with caterers required to comply with food safety, hygiene and health certification standards. The LOC was also directed to operationalize the Games’ tri-modal transportation system, incorporating road, rail and water transportation where appropriate, to facilitate the movement of athletes, officials, technical personnel, equipment and other Games personnel.
“Medical and public health arrangements were also strengthened, with qualified medical personnel to be deployed at competition venues and designated accommodation facilities. The UNILAG Medical Centre will serve as the primary referral point, while ambulance services will be available at competition venues, with arrangements for specialised referrals where necessary.
“Participating States and the FCT are also required to nominate Chief Medical Officers and complete all necessary medical assessments and health screenings. The Games Medical and Public Health Teams will continue working with relevant Lagos State authorities on food safety, water, sanitation, waste disposal, disease prevention and emergency response.”
Sports247 gathered further that the meeting was followed by a facility inspection, after which the LOC was directed to complete all outstanding remedial works and venue requirements ahead of the commencement of the Games.
National Sports Federations and Technical Committees were equally tasked with concluding all outstanding sport-specific technical requirements, competition schedules, equipment needs, and the official EKO 2026 website, mobile application, and QR code-enabled systems are to be deployed before the commencement of the Games.
