Burkina Faso emerged champions of the 2023 UFAK African Western Region 2 Karate Championship on Saturday. Burkina Faso finished first place, winning a total of 26 medals; 13 Gold, 6 Silver and 7 Bronze in the Cadet, Junior and Senior Categories at the Velodrome of Velodrome of Package A of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Nigeria finished second in the overall medal table with a total of 28 medals; 9 Gold, 11 Silver and 8 Bronze while Benin Republic finished in the third position with 19 medals; 4 Gold, 9 Silver and 6 Bronze.
In fourth position is Togo with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze after the end of the two-day championship.
The President of Karate Federation of Nigeria honourable Silas Agara said the event recorded a huge success and the objectives have been achieved.
He said, “Our athletes gave their best during the championship and I am happy with their performances. The objectives were achieved given the level of exposure, the international officials rated us high and I believe we are good to go”.
“The Karate Federation of Nigeria are happy that the championship went well. No injury recorded, all the athletes showed spirit of sportsmanship and I can tell you that we are satisfied with the level of participation”.
Agara further stated that with the success recorded in the championship, Nigeria can host other international championships when accorded the opportunity.
“The international officials were happy with the organisation of the championship, we have the facility, we have the manpower and I can tell you that we can comfortably host any international championship if we are given the chance to host”.
