Nigerian international hammer thrower Kosi Umerah has pledged N500,000 in prize money and technical support for female throwers ahead of the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet.

The Texas State University master’s student-athlete is backing the women’s hammer throw competition at the November 7 meet scheduled for the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Lagos.

The prize pool will be shared among the top four athletes, with the winner taking N200,000, runner-up N150,000, while third and fourth place will earn N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.

Beyond financial reward, Umerah, whose personal best of 65.71m places her fourth on Nigeria’s all-time list, will offer individual video analysis to every female athlete entered, providing feedback on mechanics, drills and coaching cues via Instagram.

The initiative addresses the discipline’s struggle for visibility and investment, with hammer throw absent from major platforms like the Diamond League.

Umerah, who also plans to help establish a throws camp in Nigeria, called on diaspora athletes to invest in the country’s sporting system.

“Women’s hammer throw does not get the love it deserves. Throws need more love,” she said, urging competitors to “go throw far, have fun, bring your best and go collect some money!”