By Tunmise Omosofe
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has introduced a new team-based competition format to strengthen athletes’ skills and prepare them for major international events.
NTF President, Temitayo Popoola, said the format was introduced through the maiden Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) National Taekwondo Club/Team Championship.
Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos that the format would improve athletes’ stamina, consistency, timing and competitiveness.
She said the championship would also help prepare Nigerian athletes for major international competitions, including the Olympic Games and African Games.
“This is the first time this kind of competition is being organised in Nigeria, although the format is practised in other countries,” Popoola said.
The championship, which began on Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, reaches its final day on Saturday.
Teams from states, clubs, universities and institutions across the country are participating in the championship.
The competition featured Team Kyorugi (Tag-Match Sparring) and Team Poomsae events for senior and junior categories.
Popoola said Nigerian athletes won medals at the African Taekwondo Championship in May, including medals in Poomsae and Para Taekwondo.
She said the federation’s remaining programmes for the year included the University Taekwondo Championship and Korean Ambassador’s event.
Popoola also commended the media for supporting taekwondo and stressed the importance of providing athletes with quality equipment.
Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsor of the championship, said his support was driven by his commitment to sports development.
Bamidele said his support was also based on his confidence in the leadership of the NTF.
He described taekwondo as an elegant sport and sports as a scientific sector with significant economic importance.
Bamidele promised continued support for the championship and announced July 29, 2027 for the next edition.
He said preparations for the 2027 championship would begin immediately, with plans to make it bigger and attract more participants.
Lekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, said sports could develop talents and create opportunities for young people.
Fatodu said the approach would also help keep youths away from criminality and provide athletes for the national pool.
