The Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) has turned its focus towards the commencement of a national league, in order to encourage continuous activities in the martial arts discipline across the country, Sports247 reports.
Information in this regard was provided by the KFN’s president, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, who acknowledged the need to remain busy after their successful organisation of the 5th Japanese Ambassador’s Cup Karate Championship in Abuja.
Although he described the competition as a significant milestone in the development of karate in Nigeria and a concrete platform that helped to strengthen sporting ties between the country and Japan, he expresssed concerns over poor crowd at the arena.
Despite the low turnout of spectators, Dimkpa commended all participants and competitors at the three-day championship, which featured cadet, junior and senior categories, with a pulsating climax on Saturday at the velodrome of Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Dimkpa, who added that the Japanese martial art promotes discipline, integrity, respect and perseverance, praised all the competitors for showing high levels of sportsmanship throughout the championship, which he said had better standards in all its bouts than previous editions.
According to him, the fifth edition attracted more participants and was held in a larger venue, which he attributed to the progressive partnership between the Embassy of Japan and KFN that has contributed significantly to the promotion of karate in Nigeria, while the proposed league will add to those gains.
He pointed out that the league, which will be staged on a round-robin format among leading karatekas across the country, is expected to provide year-round competition and be backed by many sponsors, thereby incrasing visibility, impact and growth of the sport.
This is not just a tournament. It showcases and instils two major values that we have learned over the years – discipline and integrity. It started in Japan and we are expanding it into a national league. Once you have something going on all year round, it will attract spectators.
“The sponsors will also come in, and that visibility also gives the sport the viability it needs,” said Dimkpa, who further called for stronger cooperation among all stakeholders, in order to create more opportunities for Nigerians to train, compete and showcase their talents.
 has turned its focus towards the commencement of a national league,){kind=link}