Lagos State Taekwondo Association (LSTA) has concluded plans to stage a National Taekwondo Open Championship from December 16 to 18, 2014 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lagos State Sports Council, Rowe Park, Yaba.
Chairman of the association, Jimmy Ogunowo, said about 200 Taekwondoists are expected to participate in the tournament, while schools have also been invited to participate in the junior categories, stressing that the registration is ongoing for state associations, clubs and schools.
He confirmed that athletes would compete in Kyorugi, in full eight weight categories in the male and female categories, individual Poomse and mixed team Poomse.
“The tournament is open to every state association and taekwondo club across the federation, as it is geared towards fostering healthy competition among Taekwondo players nationwide.
“It is our belief that the competition would serve as a platform to expose Team Lagos, for both the experienced and up-and-coming players, in preparation for the National Sports Festival (NSF) billed for Calabar, Cross River State in 2015.
“The championship is sanctioned by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), while the Federation’s Referees Committee would make available Nigeria’s certified International Referees by the World Taekwondo Federation to officiate at the championship,” he said.
TheNiche learnt that the new electronic scoring equipment, PSS, would be used to make the competition world class.
The event is sponsored by the Lagos State Government with fantastic cash prizes, branded medals and certificates. There will also be raffle draws on each day where participants and spectators will win wonderful gift items.