President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Alhaji Abdullahi Saidu-Baba has lauded the Successful completion of the 2023 National President’s Cup Open Championship staged in Abuja.
Alhaji Abdullahi expressed satisfaction with the current board of the NTF for enhancing the tournament which is also an Olympic weight classification that the federation has been striving to achieve.
Showcase their skills
Speaking to journalist at the end of the 3days open championship in Abuja, Alhaji Abdullahi said the federation intentionally organised the championship as a way of giving athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills, which will in turn, prepare them for bigger and better future championships.
He noted that when they came on board, they initially started with capacity building, enlightening the athletes on the current rules and regulations of the game, as well as empowering their officials on other technics of officiating and coaching which aligns with the federation’s intentions.
“This is great, this is what the current administration of the NTF have been trying to do. You remember when we came here we started with capacity building, educating the athletes on the current rules and regulations.”
“We also try to empower our athletes on the skills required to become champions, also empowering our officials on other technics of officiating and coaching and what you are seeing now is giving them the opportunity to test their skills and to also prepare them for better & future championships.”
“Don’t forget we have the all African games coming & we have the Olympic qualification, this is a tournament for Olympic weight classification, so we’re trying to look at our athletes and look at their prospects.”
The President further stressed that their set objectives was to perform well in their line up of events which includes the Kebbi open, the Korean ambassador’s cup, the all African games and the world championship which will be taking place this year in Bacu, Azerbaijan.
Lateefah Ibrahim
