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More than 100 youngsters from 24 states are expected to converge in FCT Abuja for 1st ever National Junior Taekwondo Championships, between May 16 and 17, 2018.
The event, organized by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation aims to capture and rank the youth taekwondo athletes across the nation.
It will also be used to discover athletes that would represent Nigeria at the African Youth Games (AYG) in Algeria.
NTF Technical Director, Chika Chukwumerije who regretted that Nigeria Taekwondo is presently at crossroads due to lack of investment in the youth added;
“Since its inauguration forty years ago, the federation has never held youth-level championships, thus ensuring our inconsistency in produce elite athletes.
This is why we win Olympic medals ever two decades. By floating age-grade tournament like this and encouraging participation, the federation aims to make our medal winning at internationals a consistent feature”
The three time Olympian further explained why the event would also be used to invite youth athletes to national youth camp.
“It is only fair that a transparent, effective and accountable method is used to extend invitations to youth camp. This tournament removes all sentiments and ensures the initial selection are based on merit and current form.”
The national youth taekwondo championships will feature the world taekwondo ten male and ten female weight categories.
Electronic scoring systems will be used in addition to medals and certificates issued to eventual winners.
