Not less than 16 teams have arrived for the inaugural edition of the Govenor Nyesom Wike National Open Judo Championship which kicks off this weekend at the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.
The championship in collaboration with the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) will serve as selection basis for athletes that will represent the federation both at the local and international championships in 2018 and 2019.
www.aclsports.com learnt that 12 States alongside Police, Army, Navy and Immigration teams have registered for the championship. More teams are expected to arrive on Saturday as competition is set to commence on Sunday after screening and weigh-in.
According to NJF Technical Director, Ewa Ekuta, qualification and participation of athletes in all the international meets this year is the major target.
“We have before us the Algiers 2018 African Youth Games, 2018 Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, All Africa Games in Morocco 2019 and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. We want our athletes to make the nation proud not by competing alone but winning medals as an appreciation to the Rivers State Governor for the support given to the athletes”, Ekuta said.
