Day British Boxer Stunned Dambe Spectators in Katsina
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- Sulaiman Umar
- 24 Mar, 2024
- 294
By
Abdullahi Izma Yamadi
Dambe
is a popular traditional sport, particularly among communities of butchers in
Hausa towns.
In
Katsina, residents were mesmerised by the British national, who came all the
way from England to display his skills among local boxers.
When
he was introduced to the game, Weyland did not disappoint.
After
showering praises on the Briton, the enthusiastic spectators encouraged him to
feel at home. He quickly jumped into the boxing arena, willing to take on an
opponent, Dogon Yellow Dansuru.
The
fight between Weyland and Dansuru lasted for two and half minutes without a
winner, as thousands of spectators sprayed money on the foreigner in
appreciation of his performance.
Abdulrahman
Sama’ila, one of the regular attendees of local boxing events in the history of
Katsina State and a culture enthusiast, said he had been watching local boxing
for the past 25 years but the fight between Weyland Dansuru was the most
exciting recently.
Sama’ila
also said, “The most fascinating part of the white man’s fight against Dogo Dansuru is the skills and sportsmanship
he displayed against his opponent.”
The
passion exhibited by Weyland during the competition elicited more excitement
from the spectators, who said they could see skills and professionalism in him.
They said he could become one of the best Dambe champions in northern Nigeria
in future.
Lawal
Badamasi, who watched how the white man slogged it out with Dansuru, said his
coming was one of the best things that happened to local boxing in Katsina
State in recent years.
Badamasi
said, “I think you would agree with me that majority of the spectators you see
here came purposely to watch the performance of the white man. He was the
reason the game was delayed towards the closing time because if he played his
part earlier, many would leave the place.”
According
to the organisers of the competition, the participation of the British national
in the traditional boxing in Katsina was borne out of his interest and passion
for the Hausa culture, which he built over 15 years ago.
The
Commissioner for information and culture in Katsina State, Dr Bala Salisu
Zango, said the white man demonstrated fascinating skills, which even the local
boxers could learn from, including his conduct and other attributes.
“I can tell you without fear of contradiction
that since his arrival, the white man took his time to study the situation
before he indicated the willingness to participate in Dambe. And he chose his
opponent himself. Secondly, this is somebody from Britain who has been watching
Hausa culture and tradition as something interesting at a time our younger
generations are copying western cultures,” Zango said.
He
advised all stakeholders to strive hard to preserve the cultural heritage of
not only northern Nigeria but the country as a whole. He called on local boxers
to be more accommodating so as to attract more people into the system, which he
said had the potential of adding value to Nigeria’s economy.
Although
Weyland declined answering questions when journalists approached him shortly
after the encounter with Yellow Dansuru, he said his participation and passion
for the traditional boxing in northern Nigeria started long time ago. He is
hopeful that one day he would be among the best local boxers in the North.
The
British national also said he was overwhelmed by the crowd that turned out to
watch his encounter with Dansuru. He called on residents and organisers of the
competition, as well as custodians of the age- long tradition, to continue to
promote it because of its socio-economic potentials.
Culled from Daily Trust of Saturday, 3
February 2024