The 2nd edition of the Strata Base National Open Senior Karate Championship ended last Saturday at the Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with athletes winning a total of 60 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 16 silver and 28 bronze in the overall medal haul.
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Team FCT-Abuja dominated the table with a total of 11 medals; 5 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze to clinch the 1st position. Team Anambra came 2nd, winning a total of 8 medals; 4 gold and 4 silver. Team Strata Base came 3rd winning 9 medals; 2 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze.
Beginning 12th to 15th April, Karate fans and enthusiasts from around Nigeria got the opportunity to relax and witness spectacular bouts of Kumite and Kata among participating athletes and teams drawn from states across the country.
In a statement obtained from his verified Facebook page, Chairman South South Zone of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Engr. Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, he has been true to his commitment to developing the sport and using it as a toll to engage young people away from destructive vices.
“This championship, the 4th in the series, asides from engaging young people meaningfully and showing them the possibilities of a life away from crime, was also aimed at showcasing talents to scouts and to serve as avenue to select and groom athletes who will represent Nigeria in future international competitions”.
“Upon assumption of office as the Chairman, South-South Zone KFN and Board Member representing the South-South zone, Karate Federation of Nigeria, I made a commitment that under my watch in the South South, we shall develop the sport to an enviable height and use it to provide a platform to better and meaningfully engage our youths”.
Dr. Dimkpa who is representing South South geopolitical zone on the board of Karate Federation of Nigeria expressed satisfaction in the outcome of the tournament and the result of his commitment on the behaviour of young people and on development of the sport in the zone.
“This is reflective in the outcome of the just concluded tournaments in far away Egypt and South Africa, where for the first time in our history, athletes from our zone won medals for the country in the sport including the first ever Karate gold for the country.
“These achievements are the reason we are justified in our continued sponsorship of the sport. We are fulfilled and satisfied that every participating Karataker in this edition, apart from growing and showcasing their talents, winning medals and prizes, also went home with an invaluable experience“.
Engr. Dimkpa On behalf of the event sponsor, Strata Base Group, performed the official presentation of cash prizes and certificates and the decoration of athletes and teams who won medals in different categories at the end of the competition.
