Lagos – The Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) says it plans to hold its 2nd National Championships for athletes as well as coaching and referee course in Asaba, Delta.
Donatus Agu-Ejidike, the President, Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said that the championships/course, scheduled for March 20 to March 25 would hold at the Asaba Township Stadium.
According to him, the first edition of the tournament and workshop took place in 2013 in Ilorin.
Agu-Ejidike said that the event would improve the technical skills of athletes, coaches and referees ahead of major championships.
“We want to use the event to prepare our referees, coaches and athletes for major competitions. We do not want to be in haste when we have competitions.
“We want to be well prepared now, though organising competitions have not been easy,’’ he said.
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He also advised the referees, coaches and athletes to attend the championships, saying that it promised to impact knowledge and create an avenue for the selection of athletes ahead of competitions.
“The athletes, referees and coaches should use this opportunity to showcase their talents, gain knowledge and interact with fellow sportsmen.
“The only thing required is for the associations to pay their yearly dues because it is part of the laid down rules of KFN,’’ he said.
Agu-Ejidike said that since the KFN board members assumed office in 2010, they had been making efforts to revive the sport, while identifying a lack of funds as a major hindrance.
“In Nigeria, karate has been a one-man drum from inception; no one has been giving the KFN funds. Karate has been dead before we came into office last six years.
“This board assumed office in 2010 and we have been trying to resurrect it, but for you to resurrect something that is already dead, it will take time,’’ he said. (NAN)