The President of Karate Federation of Nigeria, Hon Silas Agara told www.aclsports.com that the country is ready to host the 2023 UFAK African West Region 2 International Karate Championship in Abuja.
The 2023 UFAK African West Region 2 International Karate Championship is scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Velodrome (Package A) from 22nd to 23rd December, 2023.
Agara revealed that refresher courses for referees in line with World Karate will be organised for two days by the President West African Zone of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) Referee Commission, Shihan Olusegun Akinola.
He said, “Nigeria is ready to host the 2023 UFAK African West Region 2 International Championship and as you can see, the referees are having their practical at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola stadium with the Chief Examiner, Shihan Olusegun Akinola who is the Secretary General of UFAK Referee Commission with the course ending on Thursday.
“The championship proper starts on Friday and our athletes are in top shape. The athletes have been in camp for weeks and I believe that we have an opportunity to showcase our talents.
“The athletes have been performing well outside the country, winning medals far away. Today, we are privileged to an international championship and it is an opportunity for the athletes, coaches and referees to shine”.
He urged the athletes to remain disciplined and focused as they represent Nigeria at the championship.
Agara said, “Karate is a disciplined sport, we want them to compete fairly and not cut corners. Above all, we want them to represent the country well because the integrity of the country is at stake. we want them to uphold the tenet of protecting the image of the country which is above any gold medal, we have sound words of advice to them”.
He added, “It is a preparatory ground for the forthcoming African Games in Ghana and athletes who do well will represent Nigeria at the Games”.
