KARATE WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT GRASSROOT AND SCHOOL LEVELS – CHRISTIAN AKPU

KARATE

KARATE WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT GRASSROOT AND SCHOOL LEVELS – CHRISTIAN AKPU

Sport karate is combination of Japanese and Chinese martial arts which places emphasis on exercise, competition, perseverance, self defence, virtue and leadership skills, and the Enugu State Karate Association (ESKA) have hinted on the aspirations and prospects of the game in the state.

Ahead of the forthcoming coming 3rd Open Karate Championship slated for Nasarrawa State, the association have drawn up plans and arrangements for the state contingents so as to give a good representation when hostilities take center stage

In an exclusive interview over the weekend with Sports correspondent, Ugo Okeiyi after their training session at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the technical director, Enugu State Karate Association (ESKA), Christian Akpu applauded the state contingents for emerging overall winner of the fundamental japanese karate team in Nigeria at Abuja, stating that it was dedication, hardwork and divine intervention that got them to that position.

Akpu, the 1988 southeast gold medalist and currently the association coach further revealed that they have started working with some schools in the state, adding that as a result of the mandate from national federation, they would be organising karate schools competition soonest.

Reacting to how prepared the athletes are ahead of challenges to expect in Nasarrawa, secretary of the Enugu State Karate Association, Emenike Michael Ukaegbu who will be competing in the -60kg category is optimistic that they are ready and capable of replicating the feat that saw them through in Abuja, noting that with more competition the athletes will get better.

In her words, enugu state athlete in the -50kg female category, Miss Ifeoma Amuorah shared her experiences participating in several competitions in the last 3 years, advising young girls, ladies and women on how to be part of the game.

Similarly, the World Karate Federation (WKF) is the largest sport karate organization and is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as being responsible for karate competition in the Olympis.