Sports
270 Athletes Ready for Action at 13th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
Over 270 taekwondo athletes from across Nigeria are gearing up to compete at the 13th edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup, slated for October 17th to 19th, 2025, at the Indoor Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Mrs. Rita Mosindi, applauded the Korean Ambassador for his unwavering commitment and long-standing partnership with the Federation in advancing the sport in Nigeria.
“We are deeply grateful to the Korean Ambassador for his consistent support in ensuring that Taekwondo continues to grow in the country,” she said.
“Reaching the 13th edition of this championship is a clear reflection of the transparency, accountability, and dedication that have sustained it over the years.”
Mrs. Mosindi emphasized that the championship will not only feature top-level competition but will also serve as a ranking event for athletes across the country.
“I expect to see our athletes give their best and display exceptional skills to thrill our spectators. This tournament also offers them an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points,” she added.
She assured that all arrangements have been finalized to guarantee a smooth and successful outing.
“All hands are on deck. Everything is in place, and we are set for a hitch-free tournament,” she affirmed.
Highlighting the event’s developmental importance, the NTF scribe noted that several athletes who have represented Nigeria internationally were discovered through previous editions of the Korean Ambassador’s Cup.
“We’re optimistic that this year’s event will unearth new talents who will go on to represent Nigeria at the Islamic Games and the African Youth Games in Angola,” she noted.
The Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup remains one of the Federation’s flagship annual events and serves as the final major tournament for the NTF in 2025. Nevertheless, other competitions such as the Governor of Niger State Cup and the Women’s Championship in Benin City are still on the Federation’s calendar.
The closing ceremony, billed for Sunday, October 19th, will feature the Korean Ambassador and other dignitaries, who will join in presenting medals and celebrating the achievements of participating athletes.
Mrs. Mosindi expressed confidence that the 13th edition will conclude on a high note, highlighting excellence, sportsmanship, and the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Korea through Taekwondo.
Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.
Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.
He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.
According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.
“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.
‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’
He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.
Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.
He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.
“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.
The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.
President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.
Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.
He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.
Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.
He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.
According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
