5th CCSF Taekwondo Training Workshop Kicks Off

The 5th Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Taekwondo Training Workshop kicks off today in Abuja.

40 U-20 athletes drawn from schools and clubs across the country are expected to converge in Abuja for the three-day programme.

The workshop series started in 2010 and has since become a watering ground for upcoming taekwondo champions.

The exercise includes physical fitness training, tactical and technical sessions, where participants will be taught current training methods, techniques using the latest equipment.

Also, special inspirational sessions will be conducted during the programme that allows interactions between the young participants and two iconic taekwondo figures in Nigeria – 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Ms. Josephine Esuku and 3-time NUGA Gold Medalist, Alhaji Sani Lawal.

In an academic-like session, Technical Coordinator of the program, Chika Chukwumerije, who holds an MSc. In Operations and Supply Chain Management, and successfully organizes well-planned Taekwondo events, will hold an Event Management Course to expand the knowledge base and soft skills of the participants.

According to the Chief Programme Host, Tony Anafulu, who is a Board Member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation representing the North Central Zone, and joint-partner in this CCSF-driven project, “the program is specifically designed to complement the fantastic work being done by coaches all across the country in raising young athletes, by increasing the technical and tactical knowledge of participants.”

For the co-programme host, Ado Umar, also a board member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation representing North East and a part-time lecturer with University of Education Kano, the importance of the intellectual tilt of this event cannot be over-emphasized.

He noted that “with most of the participants to come from school and university settings, a critical objective of the program will be “to ingrain in young upcoming taekwondo athletes the importance of combining sports and education.”

5TH Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation Training Workshop,

Among the objectives of the event, Programme Coordinator, Abdul-Malik Mohammed, who is also Head Taekwondo Coach at the Korean Cultural Centre and a member of the National Coaching Crew said, “The objective is to physically, mentally and psychologically prepare young upcoming taekwondo athletes for a career in the Olympic sport of Taekwondo.”

Going further, Mr. Mohammed reiterated that during the course of the event, the adolescent participants are expected to be inspired and encouraged through the real-time interaction with national champions and mentors via a lecture series.”

Past participants of this event include 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medalists, 18-year old Isah Abubakar Adamu and 17-year old Shola Olowookere, and a few others that are gaining ground at senior national competitions.

For CEO of CCSF, Chika Chukumerije, “the most important thing is to keep engaging these young ones, and exposing them so as to develop the wonderful talents they have, and most importantly starting to treat them now like the champions we know they are.”

40 YOUNG ATHLETES SET TO STORM ABUJA FOR 5TH CCSF TRAINING WORKSHOP

The Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) is set to kick-off its annual taekwondo training workshop tagged the 5th CCSF Training Workshop for Under-20 athletes, from 4th – 6th June, 2015, at FCT Abuja.

Forty participants across Nigeria are expected to converge from Wednesday, 3rd June, for the 5th edition of this workshop series which began in 2010 and has since become a watering ground for upcoming taekwondo champions. The intensive 3-day workshop includes physical fitness training, tactical and technical sessions, where participants will be taught current training methods, techniques using the latest equipment.

Furthermore, special inspirational sessions will be conducted during the program that allows interactions between the young participants and two iconic taekwondo figures in Nigeria – 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Ms. Josephine Esuku and 3-time NUGA Gold Medallist, Alhaji Sani Lawal.

Chika Chukwumerije camp

In another academic-like session, Technical Coordinator of the program, Chika Chukwumerije, who holds an MSc. In Operations and Supply Chain Management, and successfully organizes well-planned Taekwondo events, will hold an Event Management Course to expand the knowledge base and soft skills of the participants.

According to the Chief Program Host of the event, Mr Tony Anafulu, who is a Board Member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation representing the North Central Zone, and joint-partner in this CCSF-driven project, “the program is specifically designed to complement the fantastic work being done by coaches all across the country in raising young athletes, by increasing the technical and tactical knowledge of participants.”

For the co-program Host, Mr Ado Umar, also a board member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation representing North East and a part-time lecturer with University of Education Kano, the importance of the intellectual tilt of this event cannot be over-emphasized.

He noted that “with most of the participants to come from school and university settings, a critical objective of the program will be “to ingrain in young upcoming taekwondo athletes the importance of combining sports and education.”

5TH Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation Training Workshop,

Speaking about the objectives of the event, Programme Coordinator, Mr Abdul-Malik Mohammed, who is also Head Taekwondo Coach at the Korean Cultural Centre and a member of the National Coaching Crew said, “the objective is to physically, mentally and psychologically prepare young upcoming taekwondo athletes for a career in the Olympic sport of Taekwondo.”

Going further, Mr Mohammed reiterated that during the course of the event, the adolescent participants are expected to be inspired and encouraged through the real-time interaction with national champions and mentors via a lecture series.”

Past participants of this event include 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medallists, 18-year old Isah Abubakar Adamu and 17-year old Shola Olowookere, and a few others that are gaining ground at senior national competitions.

For CEO of CCSF, Chika Chukumerije, “the most important thing is to keep engaging these young ones, and exposing them so as to develop the wonderful talents they have, and most importantly starting to treat them now like the champions we know they are.”

Nigeria for WTF World Championships in Russia

Nigerian team will return to the international stage at the World Taekwondo Federation(WTF)-organised World Championships holding this week in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Three experienced athletes led by Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije will hoist Nigeria’s flag at the global tournament, where athletes are expected to garner points for their final qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

United States-based Saturday Bashir and France-based Murtala Mohammed will be on duty at the tournament kicking off tomorrow at Traktor Arena in Chelyabinsk.

Besides Nigeria, some top African teams like Gabon, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia are also using the tournament as a tune-up to this year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

According to the President, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), George Ashiru who was at yesterday’s WTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) said the team’s build up was hampered by the political and economic situation in the country.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

He however ruled out prospect of medals. “Our chances are much slimmer than usual because we didn’t have the luxury and indeed necessity of a formal training camp you would expect from the biggest event of the year. We had expected to camp our athletes for two months prior to the now rescheduled National Sports Festival, use the festival to test these preparations, and then take only the athletes that demonstrated ability for the nature of the event. None of these opportunities were afforded us early in the year. So, training was informal open camp, and some bureaucratic bottlenecks also hampered our final push for sponsorship of the full national team. Therefore, we won’t have similar results as we would ordinarily expect with proper preparation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the WTF Council has decided on the host cities of upcoming taekwondo championships and announced key appointments, including the organization’s new secretary general.

Muju, Korea, beat out Turkey’s Samsun to host the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships, while American Hoss Rafaty was named the new secretary general of the WTF.

The WTF Council also approved Mexico as the host country of the 2016 WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships, and Lima, Peru as the host city of the 2016 WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

Taekwondo Team to the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Games [L-R: Judith Usifoh, Adaeze Asigbe, Chiamaka Onumonu, Shola Olowookere, Sunday Onofe, Chinazum Nwosu, Jamilu Mohammed, Josephine Esuku, Shola Olushola, Adamu Abubakar Isah, Ebere Blessing Nwakanma and Team Captain & Athlete-Coach, Chika Chukwumerije]. Uche Chukwumerije and Murtala Mohammed are not in the picture

Also WTF has announced the appointment of Hoss Rafaty as the WTF Secretary General during the WTF Council meeting in Chelyabinsk, Russia, ahead of the 2015 WTF World Taekwondo Championships.

Hoss Rafaty has served as a special assistant to the WTF President since 2007 as well as President of the WTF International Foundation since 2008 and Chairman of the WTF Expansion Committee since 2009. As co-founder and President of Yumi Ice Cream Co., Hoss Rafaty will also bring extensive commercial business experience to his new role. He was awarded a taekwondo 3rd Dan by the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) before moving to the WTF.

300 Athletes Listed For Lagos International Taekwondo Classics

300 athletes drawn from Niger Republic, Mali, Ghana and host of this year’s All Africa Games, Congo Brazzaville including Nigeria are at present jostling for honours at the Lagos International Taekwondo Classics holding at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The taekwondists made of 212 male and 88 female will be aiming for the laurels at the N3.5m prize money three-day tournament organized by the Lagos State Taekwondo Association under the auspices of the Lagos Sports Classics and sanctioned by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF).

For the President, NTF, George Ashiru, the classics has indeed helped the country especially in the poomsae event.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

“Through the classics, we have made some headway in the poomsae event and we have won three gold medals at international tournament. This became possible through the efforts made by our national coach, Jim Beom Kim and this has fetched us three international gold medals. And this year has also ignited the interest of the athletes in Poomsae and this is a major plus to the classics. Despite the initial postponement, we still have the presence of teams from Mali, Niger Republic, Ghana and Congo Brazzaville. These teams are our possible contenders for medals at the 2015 All Africa Games and it is good that we can use this competition to assess them as well as tune up our athletes for the world championships holding in Russia,” Ashiru said.

The Commonwealth Taekwondo Union (CTU) Vice President explained that outstanding athletes from the classics would form the second tier of the national team.

Taekwondo Federation Mourns Patron Chukwumerije

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has described the death of its patron, Senator Uche Chukwumerije has a big loss to the sport in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its president George Ashiru, the NTF highlighted the immense contribution of the lawmaker, towards popularising the sport.

he Chukwumerije brothers

“The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation regretfully announces the passing away of Senator Uche Chukwumerije, a founding father and patron of the Federation. Senator Chukwumerije was a 5th Degree black belt issued in Korea, and spawned a family of 8 black belts many of whom were national and international champions. These include the late Kwame Chukwumerije, who at 15, in 1987 was considered good enough to be invited to the national team for then world championships. His others sons Uche and Chika have both been African Games champions and Chika has gone on to do the country even more proud picking a Bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games.

He added: “Late Senator Chukwumerije, was a former President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College, and was part of the team of leaders who agitated for the official recognition of Taekwondo by the National Sports Commission in 1987. He singlehandedly sponsored the 2007 Nigerian Team to the 2007 Olympic Qualification Tournament, amongst many others. He also singlehandedly hosted and rewarded the 2011 African Games team at a gala event in Abuja.

Senator Uche Chukwumerije

“He is famous for his political leadership as part of the National Assembly’s “Integrity Group”, while serving as a 4 term Senator. He was also a former Minister of Information in the 1990s. On behalf of the entire Taekwondo community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chukwumerije family, and may the soul of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije rest in peace,” Ashiru said.

GOLDEN ESUKU LIGHTS UP QATAR TAEKWONDO OPENS…Wins Three Medals And Best Player Award

Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Josephine Esuku, thrilled a mammoth crowd en route to grabbing three medals – two Gold and one Bronze medal at the just concluded World Taekwondo Federation sanctioned Qatar International Taekwondo Opens, held in Doha, Qatar, from 6 – 10 March 2015.

Esuku started the G-1 ranked tournament by picking up the Bronze in the -46kg Kyreougi, when she beat Host, Shakha Alharty of Qatar [8-2] in the Quarter-finals before losing to Number 2 ranked seed and eventual winner, Hajer Mustapha of France in the Semi-finals.

The well rounded taekwondo competitor went on to blaze through the opposition in her area of strength, picking up two Golds in the individual Poomsae and freestyle Poomsae categories on the 5th and final day of competition.

Her strong performance at the tournament was rewarded as Esuku was awarded the “Best Female Poomsae Player” Award, the first time in almost 20 years that a Nigerian is winning tournament-best award.

It can be recalled that the versatile female competitor also won a Gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the Freestyle category, and a Silver medal in the Group Poomsae category.

Speaking on her victory from the Aspire Zone Competition Arena in Doha, the visibly excited University of Benin Graduate could not hide her tears of joy.
“I am so happy that I came here and won these medals, given the huge challenges I had en route to this trip”

Josephine Esuku showcases her Commonwealth medals at the last 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships

She thanked the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation for their support

“The NTF and President Ashiru were very supportive of my trip, and I am happy with the outcome because it took a lot of sacrifices just to make this trip”

NTF Boss, George Ashiru, congratulated Esuku for making the country very proud yet again.

“This young lady has yet again provided inspiration to the Nigeria Taekwondo community, and has done very well. Against all odds, she has proved her quality and shown why she is a Commonwealth Gold medallist”

The NTF President vowed to continue creating opportunities for all members of the Nigeria Taekwondo Community.

“Our Federation will continue to support all genuine Nigeria Taekwondo practitioners that wish to expose themselves to the international circuit, especially members of the outstanding 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Team who had consistently replicated their top performance at subsequent National and International tournaments”

Speaking on the importance of further exposure of members of the successful Commonwealth team to more international competitions, the NTF Boss encouraged more sponsors to take advantage of the consistent success stories of Nigeria Taekwondo competitors to sponsor more current and upcoming Taekwondo athletes.

“There are many opens, and the only reason we do not win more medals is that we are not going for these events as often as we should. Esuku almost missed out on this trip, so imagine that we would not have this wonderful inspiring story to tell if she had not gone to Qatar”

For the Kyreougi category, there were 398 competitors registered from 44 countries, including France, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Turkey, Belgium, Qatar, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Croatia, Norway, Thailand, Morocco, Germany, Australia, Spain, South Korea, Algeria, Sweden, Netherlands, Yemen, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Libya, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Russia, New Zealand, Azerbaijan, Central Africa Republic, Niger Republic and Nigeria.

For the Poomsae category, there 119 competitors registered from 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Algeria, Guinea, Egypt and Nigeria.

It is worthy to note that Esuku sponsored herself for the trip

Sports Minister Lauds Korea Over Support For Taekwondo

For their immense support in the last few years, the Minster of Sports/Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Tammy Danagogo has commended the government and people of Korea Republic over the development of taekwondo in Nigeria.

In a letter signed by the minister and addressed to the Ambassador, Republic of Korea, it stated that the performance of Team Nigeria in major competitions has been outstanding, adding that this became possible with the continued support of the Korean Government.

NTF President-George Ashiru addresses participants At an NTF program

“We hereby write to convey the profound gratitude of NSC and indeed taekwondo lovers in Nigeria for your unequaled support to the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) under the leadership of Mr. George Ashiru. Your support, no doubt contributed immensely to the sterling performance of Team Nigeria at the last Commonwealth Championship in Edinburg, Scotland, where they posted their best performance ever in any international competition; and has in no small measure promoted youths and sports development in the country,” he said.

The NSC helmsman added: “We therefore, most heartily commend your kind gesture in assisting our team and hope that this will go a long way to further strengthen cordial relationship between your good selves and the Commission.”

In the last few years, the Korea Government has been sponsoring the annual Korea’s Ambassador Cup involving teams within and outside Nigeria.

CHUKWUMERIJE URGES EARLY PREPARATIONS FOR ALL AFRICA GAMES…

CHUKWUMERIJE URGES EARLY PREPARATIONS FOR ALL AFRICA GAMES…As Tunisia, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt Impress at AFTU & Luxor Opens

3-time Olympian and Board Member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Chika Chukwumerije has urged for early preparations to commence for the All Africa Games, scheduled to hold in Congo Brazzaville from 4 – 20 September, 2015.

Chukwumerije made this call, after observation of the alarming progress being made by African rivals at the just concluded AFTU International Taekwondo Opens and Luxor Opens held in Egypt.

2015 US Opens Gold Medallist, Abdoulrazak Alfaga of Niger Republic and Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Abubakar Isah Adamu of Nigeria

At the G-1 ranked AFTU Opens, Tunisia won three medals – 2 Gold & 1 Silver; Cote D’Ivoire won two medals – 1 Gold, 1 Bronze; Morocco won two medals – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze; Hosts Egypt won 8 medals – 3 Silver 5 Bronze.

Ruth Gbagbi of Cote D’Ivoire claimed the Gold medal in the female -62kg, Ben Ali Rahma of Tunisia took the Gold in the female -53kg, while her male counterpart, Queslati Oussama, won the Gold in the -80kg category, dramatically beating 5-time World Champion and 2-time Olympic Gold Medallist, Steven Lopez of USA in the semi-finals en route to his golden victory.

At the G-2 ranked Luxor Opens, Tunisia won two medals – 1 Gold, 2 Silver; Egypt won two medals – 1 Gold, 1 Bronze; Cote D’Ivoire won two medals – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze.

Chukwumerije was not only impressed by the medals won, but also by how they were won.

Taekwondo Competitors in action during the 1st AFTU International Taekwondo Opens

“Morocco came with two athletes to the AFTU opens, and won two medals. Cote D’Ivoire came here with three athletes, won two medals at AFTU Opens, and again won two medals at Luxor Opens. En route to a victory, Cote D’Ivoire’s cheick Sallah Cisse beat Steven Lopez of USA, a 5-time World Champion and 2-time Olympic Gold Medallist, and also established veteran Damon Sansum of Great Britain en route to the finals.

“Tunisia also came with a same team and repeated the same feat, destroying top ranked competitors en route to their victories.”

“We are going to meet these people in 6 months at the AAG, and they are competing all over the world, gaining crucial experience and confidence as they conquer the world’s best at these events”

WTF Referee and NTF Vice-President, Maragret Binga Elizabeth, 3-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Abubakar Isah Adamu and WTf Referee, Mr Ferguson Oluigbo

“I am confident Nigeria Taekwondo will meet our formidable opponents half-way on the field of play, but we must start firm preparations now to stand any chance of making history at the AAG”.

Meanwhile, despite the impressive outing of some of the African Nations at the tournaments, National coach of Cote d’Ivoire Taekwondo National Team, Attada Tadjou, was of the opinion that African Nations need to work harder together to bridge the wide tactical gap between Africa and other continents.

“We have a lot of talents that can dominate the world, but these talents need to be invested in. Also we need to have a lot of training workshops and tournaments in Africa to help bridge the knowledge gap”

CCSF Takes Taekwondo Programme To Zamfara, As NTF Lauds Initiative

The Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) kick-started its 2015 programme when it launched its “Inspire the Zones” initiative in Gusau, Zamfara.

The one-day inspirational programme, which saw 65 participants from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara is the first of a six-leg journey that involves all the six geopolitical zones in the country, and is being done in partnership the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation via the Board Members resident in the Zone.

According to CCSF Founder and three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, the aim of the workshop is simply to inspire young minds.

“I have always insisted that Inspiration always wins medals, if you give it time. You sow that seed now in that mind, and watch it positively grow over the years”.

Some Participants during the Workshop

Pointing out a real-life example of the philosphy in the person of Borno-State born Abubakar Isah Adamu, the 17-year old Commonwealth Gold Medallist who came along with the CCSF Team, the CCSF Boss noted the effect of Adamu’s presence on his age mates in the region.

“Adamu was just 13 years old when we saw him. He was born and lives in Maiduguri, Borno State. At the time, he could barely speak English. Four years later, he speaks English, has won a couple of National Tournaments, has won a Gold at the Commonwealth Games and is one of the brightest Taekwondo prospects for Nigeria Taekwondo. The athletes here have been inspired just watching him today”

NTF Board Member of the region and State Host, Alhaji Mohammed Garba, agreed with the CCSF Boss

CCSF Founder poses with NTF Board Members in the region [L-R: Chika Chukwumerije, Alhaji Mohammed Garba [NTF North-West Representative], Mr Abdullahi Saidu [NTF Sponsor Representative], Mr Ado Garko Umar [NTF North East Representative]

“I am so excited by this wonderful program. Most of these athletes have never seen all these equipment that CCSF brought to Zamfara, or done the exercises they did together. They have trained with a 3-time Olympian they see only on TV, and a Commonwealth Gold Medallist. There is a rejuvenation amongst the athletes in this region”.

Another Board Member, Mr Abdullahi Saidu, who sponsored the athletes from Sokoto and Kebbi to the program was equally excited by the outcome of the program.

“That Chika could bring his Foundation to Zamfara has really inspired and galvanized all of us. A lot of times, good programs like this are held in Kano or Kaduna, but CCSF came all the way with their team and shared high quality information with upcoming and state athletes, free of charge. CCSF has certainly shown us that we have no excuse not to organize more regional inter-state programmes”

A participant, 24-year Alice Dumiya, from Kaduna proudly holds up her new Taekwondo Uniform

A Director of Admin with the Zamfara State Civil Service, Alhaji Mohammed Haidara, who was guest at the program commended the initiative and noted that, “the program is very interesting. More programs like this would help our youths to be doing something, instead of roaming about and engaging in unproductive activities”

In addition to the program, free equipment in form of imported Taekwondo Uniform, Kicking Pads and exercise books were given to some of the participants.

One of the participants, 23-year old Bilhatu Adamu of Zamfara, who makes colourful hand-made bags caught the attention of CCSF, and was given a free ticket to the 2015 CCSF Taekwondo Opens being held in Abuja on 23-24 October 2015, to showcase and merchandize her product.

Participants pose in a group photo during the one-day inspirational CCSF workshop

Speaking on the free ticket awarded to her, Miss Bilhatu could not hide her excitement,

“Not only did I enjoy the workshop, I have also been given an opportunity to come and showcase my bags to Nigerians and West Africans that would come to watch the event. I am very grateful to CCSF for given me this economic opportunity, at no cost.”

The next leg of the initiative would be held in the North Central Zone in Benue State on 7th March 2015.

Let’s Make 2015 Memorable For Taekwondo, Chukwumerije Charges Athletes

Ready to consolidate of the successes recorded in 2014, Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije has charged taekwondists across the country to make 2015 memorable for taekwondo.

The Commonwealth Championship silver medalist, believes with unity in the taekwondo fraternity, more successes would be recorded in 2015.

“I want to extend appreciation to the athletes, who are my colleagues and friends. You are the reason the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) exists, and I thank you for all your hard work and dedication. It has been a tough 2014, and I hope we continue to work very hard to make 2015 even more memorable,” he said.

Chika Chukwumerije

The four-time Olympian added: “2015 is an important year, as President Ashiru has repeatedly mentioned; chief among the tournaments are the All African Games and the WTF World Championships, plus other important issues like gaining lots of global ranking points to increase our chances of automatically qualifying for the 2016 Olympics, and gaining international exposure and experience. I know the official program of the NTF will be release soon through the appropriate channels, and I am excited that 2015 presents another opportunity for us to work together towards making even more history.”

He however, tasked the athletes not to relent in their efforts. “On this note, I would like to challenge each and every one of us to continue to develop ourselves, and aspire to take the Sport to a better place than we met it. On a personal note, I wish you all the best in your individual endeavours and hope your personal ambitions, hope and dreams comes to a positive conclusion in 2015,” he explained.

He lauded the tenacity of NTF president, George Ashiru, describing him as a goal-getter.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

His words: “Firstly, I want to extend our thanks to our President, GM George Ashiru, for his steady and focused steering of Taekwondo Development and Administration in Nigeria. It is a difficult job, and one that requires a lot of wisdom, knowledge and experience; being an ex-international athlete, ex-national champion, established business man, accomplished sports administrator, these are three ingredients Master Gee possesses in abundance.”

He singled out the support of board members of NTF, which he said is commendable in the last one year.

“I would love to say a big thank you to the media, for believing in the vision and activities of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, under the capable leadership of GM George Ashiru, and giving Taekwondo the kind of exposure that matches the amount of hard work that has been put in by all its stakeholders to develop, not only an Olympic sport that wins medals for Nigeria, but develops the character of young Nigerians. Your support has been instrumental and critical to our vision, and we hope to continue to count on your support of NTF programmes and our upcoming super stars,” he said.

NTF UNVEILS PLANS FOR 2015, CALLS FOR SUPPORT

To ensure that its 2014 feats are consolidated, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) yesterday unveiled its major plans for 2015 while calling for more support to the sport from private and public sectors.

According to the President of NTF, George Ashiru, 2014 has been worthwhile for the sport following the successes recorded locally and internationally.

“I want to say that 2014 has been a rewarding year for taekwondo because we wanted to achieve some of our objectives in the year and we are happy that we were able to do this. We tagged a developmental year and truly it was a year that we were able to discover athletes that will take over from the likes of Chika Chukwumerije.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

We organized six tournaments this year and we took part in five international competitions, which for us was encouraging. At the maiden National Youth Games, we wanted to unearth new athletes and we were able to identify some of them and today some of these athletes are doing well even at international levels. Two of the discovered athletes featured at the World Junior Championships and despite not winning medals, they gave a good account of themselves. From this tournament, they were able to garner some experience which has been helpful to them in subsequent tournaments.

They were able to win gold medals at the Commonwealth Championships in Edinburg, Scotland and they ended the year with gold medals at the Lagos Opens. For us, we have been able to monitor these athletes and they are doing well in their various categories,” Ashiru said.

The Vice President, Commonwealth Taekwondo Union (CTU) added that with more support taekwondo has the potential to win more medals for Nigeria at international competitions.

Taekwondo Team to the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Games [L-R: Judith Usifoh, Adaeze Asigbe, Chiamaka Onumonu, Shola Olowookere, Sunday Onofe, Chinazum Nwosu, Jamilu Mohammed, Josephine Esuku, Shola Olushola, Adamu Abubakar Isah, Ebere Blessing Nwakanma and Team Captain & Athlete-Coach, Chika Chukwumerije]. Uche Chukwumerije and Murtala Mohammed are not in the picture

“With 15 athletes that went to the Commonwealth Championships, we won 10 medals to finish fourth overall compared to countries that came with over 80 athletes. This goes to show that we have quality. But we will not be carried away by this feat because top nations like Korea, United States, and others were not at the tournaments but it was a good platform for us to assess our athletes,” he said.

The NTF boss however, said that efforts would be geared towards getting more exposure for the athletes.

He said the 2015 World Championships and All Africa Games as the two major tournaments that are crucial to the country’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. “I cannot specifically confirm that we have the athletes that can compete well at the Olympic Games in Brazil because like other nations that considers tall athletes from other sports to represent them at the Olympics. We will also consider this workable system to identify tall athletes from other sport and we are intending to train them to become world beaters,” he disclosed.

Teenage Commonwealth Medalists Rule At Lagos Taekwondo Open

Nigeria’s latest taekwondo revelations, Abubakar Isah Adamu and Shola Olowookere, repeated their golden Commonwealth feat by bagging gold medals in the just concluded Lagos Opens, held at Rowe Park, Lagos.

The tournament, organized by the Lagos State Taekwondo Association and sanctioned by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, attracted a total of 195 fighters from across Nigeria, and had in attendance most members of the historic Taekwondo National Team to the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, where Nigeria Taekwondo got their biggest medal haul records since 1987 All African Games.

It can be recalled that Adamu and Olowookere, who are both 17 year old, won the first Gold medals in the Kyreougi [fighting] during the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, and have been touted by Taekwondo pundits as the future of Nigeria Taekwondo.

Sunday Onofe, who narrowly missed out on a medal in Edinburgh, won the Gold medal in the -87kg Middleweight division, and Chiamaka Onumonu who also narrowly missed out on a medal in Eddinburgh defeated her fellow bronze-medal winning commonwealth teammate, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, in a keenly contested final of the +67kg Olympic weight division. Judith Ehis, who also missed out on a Commonwealth medal, blazed through all opposition to clinch the Gold in the consolidated -67kg Olympic weight division.

Captain of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Team, Chika Chukwumerije came as coach of his young Team Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF), guiding his three athletes to two medals – one gold and one silver.

Commenting on the overall performance of his team mates at the Lagos Opens, Chukwumerije noted, “The obvious gap in tactical knowledge between his team mates and the rest of their opponents, and the sheer amount of self-confidence exhibited en route to their respective victories”.

While congratulating his team mates, he noted that the tournament provided ample opportunity for the National Technical Crew to look at prospective new entrants to the National Team”.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medallist also expressed his delight at the progress of 17 year old Adamu and Olowookere, noting that their recent form was very good for Nigeria Taekwondo, as 2015 was a very important year.

He encouraged companies to support them by sponsoring their training development programs, and giving them sporting scholarships.