Officials to Get Training for First National Taekwondo Championship

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation is set to train officials for the first Michael Opeyemi Bamidele National Taekwondo Championship. This event will take place in Lagos.

The training for officials is scheduled for September 16, just two days before the championship starts on September 18. The competition will happen at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos.

NTF President Tayo Popoola mentioned that this training is important to ensure the championship meets international standards.

Popoola said the federation wants to host a well-organized competition. This will give both officials and athletes the chance to show their skills.

"What we are doing is to ensure we stage the event with all aspects in conformity with best practices all over the world. It’s the usual practice and so we engage them on Wednesday ahead of the event starting on Friday," Popoola said.

The tournament is sponsored by Opeyemi Bamidele, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and ex-Commissioner for Information and Strategy. Bamidele, who is also a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, believes sports can help promote national unity and empower youth. He has backed many sporting events before as part of his dedication to sports development.

All 36 states in Nigeria, along with the Federal Capital Territory, are expected to join in the championship. Clubs from across the country will also compete. Some paramilitary organizations have shown interest in participating too.

The NTF has kept registration open. States and clubs that have not registered yet can still do so before the championship.

"Because it is the first edition, registration is still ongoing. We are just excited that the responses have been very encouraging and we are optimistic of a very good championship in Lagos," Popoola added.