National Para Games: Is Gombe State ready to show up at all?

With less than a week to the 3rd National Para Games in Abuja, preparations across host venues have reached advanced stages. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium will serve as the central hub, with multiple para-sport events scheduled across its facilities. Other competitions will take place at designated locations such as Jabi Lake and the Velodrome from March 26 to April 3, 2026.

But beyond the host city's readiness lies a more pressing and uncomfortable question for stakeholders in Gombe State: Is Gombe truly prepared to be part of this national event, or is it at risk of being absent altogether?

Confirming initial plans, the Director of Sports in Gombe State, Manga Sale, stated that three associations, para athletics, para table tennis, and para cycling, are expected to represent the state at the Games. On paper, this suggests participation. In reality, however, it raises deeper concerns: Are these teams adequately trained, funded, and competition-ready? Or is this yet another case of last-minute participation without ambition?

Athletics Coach Isaac Linga offered a more sobering perspective. Despite acknowledging that an official invitation was received from the National Sports Commission, he expressed strong doubts about the state’s actual presence at the Games. His scepticism points to systemic gaps; logistics, preparation timelines, and perhaps a lack of urgency.

This uncertainty becomes even more striking when placed against Gombe State’s modest but notable history at the Para Games. At the maiden edition in 2022, the state managed to secure one silver medal in athletics. It was a performance that hinted at potential. Yet, four years later, that promise appears to be hanging in the balance.

As other states finalise their contingents and fine-tune preparations, Gombe stands at a crossroads. Will it build on its previous outing and compete with purpose, or will it fade into the background of national sports development?

For the Gombe State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the coming days are more than a countdown; they are a test of commitment, planning, and vision for inclusive sports, because in the end, the real question is not whether Abuja is ready; it is whether Gombe State is ready to show up at all.