Sports
Ohimain, Muse Highlight Benefits Of karate For All Ages Championship
Organisers of the just concluded one day ‘Karate For All Ages’ Championship said that the tournament enabled karatekers to horn their skills, improve their competition level as well as help coaches and instructors to access what they’ve taught their fighters.
The karate for all ages saw athletes in different age categories compete for honours in Kata and kumite, displaying exceptional skills
Kata and kumite are two fundamental components of karate training that are interrelated and support each other
The annual championship is for both male and female athletes
Organiser of the championship Ibrahim Muse while highlighting the importance of the championship said that it has helped in further development of the game noting that the large turnout of athletes, coaches and instructors is an evidence of it’s popularity and acceptability by all karate stakeholders in the country.
” We the organisers are happy that the number of participants keep on increasing every year and what the athletes learn at the end of every championship cannot be quantified because it enables them to compete in a friendly environment, watch the skills of others and note their areas of weakness and how to improve on their skills”, he stated.
The championship which is in its 7th edition, came to a successful end on Saturday, December14, 2024 at the Gymnasium Hall of the National Institute For Sports, Lagos and attracted more than 400 karatekers from various clubs.
Chief Instructor and member of Nigerian Association of Shotokan Karate, Sensei Alfred Ohimain said
the huge turn out of athletes is an indication that the championship is a household name in the country and they’ll continue to improve on the successes recorded over the years.
” Basically, the major reason why we organise this championship every year is to develop karatekas, give them enough opportunity to exhibit their skills and also give coaches and instructors enough opportunity to access what they’ve taught their athletes and I can tell you that we’re getting it right with the championship.
“As you can see, we have a very large turnout of athletes who are about 450 which is the biggest anywhere in the country. All the athletes who are of all ages, had the opportunity to participate in both Kate and kumitae and I can tell you that with this championship, we’ve succeeded in moving the sports forward in the country
Ohimain, a 7th Dan who also doubles as a board member of Karate Federation of Nigeria expressed appreciation to their sponsors for identifying with them even as he appealed for more sponsorship of Karate competitions to enable Nigerian athletes up their game and be at par with their counterparts from other parts of the world.
Meanwhile some of the athletes who participated in this year’s championship have commended the organisers for putting up a seamless competition.
A gold medalist, Azeez Abdulahi, who said this year is his second time of participating in the championship noted that the experience he garnered in last year’s edition propelled him to go for the gold medal.
” I was here last year but couldn’t make a podium finish but the good thing was that I learnt a lot and when I went back home, I improved on my skills which gave me gold this year. So, I must give kudos to the organisers for the exposure and opportunity to improve on our form which the competition has afforded us and I urge them to keep the flag flying as the championship has really changed the face of karate in the country.
In her own remarks, Miriam Tijani said that although she was not fortunate to win a medal but she commend the organisers for the amazing championship which she said afforded her the opportunity to learn new things about the techniques of the sports.
At the end of the championship, medals and certificates were awarded to participants in the various weight categories.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, who pass on at the age of 61.
Rufai was not just a national treasure but a global ambassador of Nigerian football. His fearless goalkeeping, unmatched charisma, and commitment to the green and white made him a symbol of pride and resilience for millions of Nigerians.
Reacting to the news of his passing, chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed deep sorrow:
“This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero, he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also paid tribute:
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian sports. His commitment to the game, both on and off the field, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts.”
A stalwart of the golden era of Nigerian football, Rufai played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 in both editions.
At the club level, he had an illustrious career across Europe, representing top teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—most notably Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF.
Beyond his heroics on the pitch, Peter Rufai was a mentor and a beacon of inspiration to younger generations. After retirement, he dedicated his life to discovering and nurturing budding football talents, remaining a pillar of support and guidance in the football community.
The NSC extends heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all those whose lives were touched by the great Dodo Mayana.
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has successfully hosted WT Level 2 (Higest Taekwondo Coaching Cadre Course) with about 40 taekwondo coaches drawn from different states and institutions across Nigeria.
The World Taekwondo designated Tarik Benradi from Morocco as the Course Resource person. Tarik Benradi doubles as the Chairman African Taekwondo Union Referees Department.
The course was declared open by the Chairman National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko. He was accompanied by senior officers of the NSC like the Director FEAD and many aides.
President Nigeria Taekwondo federation, Tayo Popoola was grateful for the rich support of the National Sports Commission.
The course covered core Taekwondo Coaching areas like Team Management, Athletes Psychology, Drug Education, Coaches Technical Knowledge of taekwondo contest rules etc. Physical, theoretical and visual means were employed to pass down instructions during the course.
All participants took an examination at the end of the course.
The Closing Ceremony was witnessed by the President NOC Engnr Habu Gumel.
Gumel promised to support the NTF if the next of such course could be hosted by Nigeria.
Nigeria will be hosting 2 World Taekwondo tournaments in August and September this year. Which are signs that Nigeria is gradually coming back to the taekwondo world map
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has congratulated the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
In a statement signed by NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the Federation expressed confidence that CGC Adeniyi will bring innovation and transformation to the WCO.
Nimrod noted that Adeniyi has significantly improved the fortunes of Nigeria Customs in a short time, adding that the global community will soon feel his positive impact.
He also highlighted Adeniyi’s strong support for sports, particularly volleyball, through consistent sponsorships.
“The entire board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation congratulates you on your election as Chairperson of the WCO Council,” the statement read.
“In just two years as CGC, you have not only boosted revenue collection and surpassed budgetary targets, but have also made substantial investments in volleyball.
“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service sponsored the 2024 Volleyball League and hosted the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, widely acclaimed as the best edition to date.
“We are confident you will exceed expectations at the WCO Council.”
CGC Adeniyi will officially assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
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