The Kwara Judo Association says it has  requested the assistance of the Japanese Government in developing the game  in the state.

The chairman of the association, Yisa Gana, disclosed this in Ilorin   at  a  forum of the state's chairmen of sports associations.

Gana, who is also the Deputy Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, told the forum that his association had officially notified the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria on the request.

The chairman, who  said that the request also included the provision of judo facilities in the state,  noted that Japan was the origin of  the game.

"This necessitated the reason for the association to seek assistance from the country.

"The lack of judo facilities in Kwara is worrisome. The state does not have the facilities; even coaches were not available.

"We make use of facilities at the University of Ilorin for training of athletes and officials," the chairman said.

According to him, most of  the judo athletes in the state had been poached by  neighbouring states due to lack of judo facilities and coaches for training.

He assured the association's commitment towards the resuscitation of the sport in the state.

The deputy speaker added that he had also used his position in the House to improve on the budgetary provision for the state Sports Council in the 2013 appropriation bill.

"I have used my influence to improve on the budget. The budget will be passed within the week and we have looked into the request of the sports council.

"So the council should rigorously pursue  what  is meant for them to ensure full and proper implementation," he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the forum, Lanre Sagaya, noted that the time had  come to develop all areas of sports in Nigeria.

Sagaya,  who pledged to make the difference in  sports in the state within a year, however, stressed that the council needed support from government, corporate bodies and public spirited individuals.