The National Taekwondo Team Championship, sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has concluded in Lagos, with the senator assuring that the event will be an annual occurrence. The championship, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, featured participation from various states, clubs, and para-military outfits. Senator Bamidele, also the Senate Leader, was present at the final day of the event, which started on Friday and ended on Saturday with a colourful closing ceremony.
According to Senator Bamidele, the competition will rotate across the geo-political zones in Nigeria, but the second edition will still be held in Lagos, specifically at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The senator expressed his satisfaction with the event, citing the good atmosphere and the youths' participation. He also announced a surprise motivation for all participants, doubling the prize money for athletes and providing an additional special cash package for officials.
The event, also known as the Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) tournament, saw various winners in different categories. In the Junior male fights, All Best Club won gold, Lagos State won silver, and AIMAAN won bronze. For the Junior female fights, Ondo State came first, N-Youth Club won silver, and Lagos State won bronze. The President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Grand Master Tayo Popoola, expressed her elation with the overall standard of the competition.
Senator Bamidele also commended the Taekwondo Federation, led by Grand Master Popoola, for their efforts in developing the sport. He emphasized the need to sustain the event and make it better every year. The senator's commitment to supporting the development of taekwondo in Nigeria was evident in his announcement of increased prize money and support for officials.
The competition featured various categories, including Junior and Senior Mixed, Senior Female, and Senior Male. Rivers State won gold in the Senior Female and Senior Male categories, while University of Lagos and Comprehensive Club won silver and bronze medals in different events. The NTF president's comments on the competition's standard were echoed by the event's organization and participation.
Senator Bamidele's initiative to make the National Taekwondo Team Championship an annual event is expected to boost the sport's development in Nigeria. The event provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. With the second edition scheduled for Lagos, participants and spectators can look forward to another exciting competition.
The conclusion of the first Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) tournament marks a significant milestone in the development of taekwondo in Nigeria. Senator Bamidele's commitment to supporting the sport is evident in his sponsorship of the event and his assurance of making it an annual occurrence. The event's success will likely have a positive impact on the sport's growth and popularity in Nigeria.
Key points
- The National Taekwondo Team Championship will be an annual event, rotating across geo-political zones in Nigeria.
- Senator Opeyemi Bamidele doubled the prize money for athletes and provided additional support for officials.
- The event featured participation from various states, clubs, and para-military outfits, with Rivers State winning gold in multiple categories.
