The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has commended the Sierra Leone Boxing Association (SLBA) for its proactive effort in taking boxing to local communities, describing the initiative as a vital step toward sustainable sports development.

Dr. Abdulai made the statement during an inter-community boxing championship organized by the SLBA in collaboration with Senior Maintain on Sunday, April 6, 2026, at the Dwazark community field in Freetown.

The community-based competition forms part of SLBA’s broader grassroots development strategy, following the successful launch of the Inter-Forces Boxing Championship at the Kingtom Police Field.

The NSA Executive Director, who graced the well-attended event, joined the SLBA President Solomon Kargbo, Secretary General Alhaji Komba, and National Coach Mohamed Lamin Turay.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Dr. Abdulai expressed delight at returning to what he described as his home community, stressing that sports development must begin at the grassroots level.

“One of the key priorities at the NSA is to take sports to the communities because the people own the sports and deserve to enjoy and benefit from them,” he said.

He urged sporting associations to prioritize local competitions as a foundation for international representation, noting that identifying and nurturing talent at home is essential for success abroad.

“How can athletes represent the country internationally without consistent local competitions to identify and prepare them?” he questioned. “We need athletes who are not only capable of representing Sierra Leone but also winning medals.”

Dr. Abdulai further emphasized that government support would be directed toward associations actively engaging communities, expressing satisfaction with SLBA’s ongoing outreach across different neighborhoods.

He disclosed that the association plans to continue staging community events before culminating in a national championship final at the Parade Field.

The NSA boss also called on the boxing body to expand its outreach to schools and tertiary institutions, where a large pool of young talent exists.

Quoting President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of using sports as a tool for youth engagement, Dr. Abdulai urged stakeholders to use sporting platforms to discourage drug abuse and crime among young people.

“Sports should serve as a vehicle to guide young people toward education, discipline, and a better future,” he noted.

He also highlighted the need for improved incentives in sports, stressing that athletes should receive meaningful rewards capable of transforming their lives.

“We want to reach a stage where athletes are adequately rewarded for their efforts, not just competing without tangible benefits,” he added.

Dr. Abdulai reaffirmed his commitment to supporting all initiatives that promote youth participation in sports nationwide.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the championship saw Issa Kamara emerge victorious in the main bout, defeating his opponent Gibrila Dumbuya by unanimous decision after a series of exciting contests across multiple weight categories.

Speaking after the event, SLBA Scribe Alhaji Koroma described the community boxing initiative as a deliberate effort to discover and nurture hidden talents across the country.

He noted that taking boxing to the grassroots would not only strengthen the sport but also create opportunities for young athletes to rise through the ranks and represent Sierra Leone on the international stage.