Paynesville – Days after the Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed an age limit announced by the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) for the 2024/2025 National County Sports Meet (NCSM), the Ministry has reversed the decision in response to pressure from participating counties.
Previously, G. Andy Quamie, Deputy Minister for Sports, endorsed the age limit set by the LBA and pledged to uphold it.
“Every federation or association has its own rules that govern its participation in the competition. We are just the organizers, so we will work with the rules given by all associations and federations for the good of the National County Sports Meet,” Quamie had stated.
On January 15, 2025, the LBA announced that only players under the age of 25 would be eligible to compete in the NCSM. According to LBA Secretary-General Calvin Diggs, the decision aimed to encourage younger athletes to participate, provide them with a platform to showcase their talents, and scout players for various youth national teams.
However, the announcement faced significant resistance from several participating counties, who argued that the age limit was overly restrictive and unfair to older athletes. During a meeting held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, between county officials and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the decision was overturned, allowing open competition in the basketball category.
Critics of the age limit described the NCSM as a political tournament meant to include everyone.
Speaking to The Liberian Investigator, LBA President Abraham Samukai expressed disappointment with the reversal.
“This rule would have given more young players the chance to show themselves and be selected for various youth national teams,” Samukai said.
The decision to allow open competition has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the original age limit, including sports enthusiast Jacob Johnson, lamented the Ministry’s reversal.
“This is a sad time for our sports development. I don’t see our country moving forward in the next hundred years with this kind of thinking,” he explained, emphasizing that the age limit was crucial for nurturing young talent and ensuring a brighter future for Liberian basketball.
Conversely, many county officials and athletes welcomed the decision. They argued that the NCSM should remain inclusive, providing opportunities for athletes of all ages.
“The NCSM is more than just a sports event; it’s a celebration of our unity and diversity. Everyone should have the chance to compete and represent their counties,” one county official commented.
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