Sports
South East Taekwondo Championships Light Up Owerri as Imo State Emerges Overall Winner
…Imo Sports Commissioner Commends Organizers, Promises Continued Support
Cyril Ogar
Owerri came alive over the weekend as 74 athletes from four South Eastern states thrilled spectators at the South East Taekwondo Championships, held from 7th to 9th November 2025 at the Indoor Hall of Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Host state Imo dominated the medal table, clinching 41 medals — 13 Gold, 15 Silver, and 13 Bronze — to emerge overall champions. Abia State followed closely with 28 medals (12 Gold, 11 Silver, and 5 Bronze), while Ebonyi secured 8 medals (4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze). Enugu State rounded off the tally with 4 medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze).
The Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, who was present during the finals and medal presentation, praised the organizers for promoting grassroots sports development in the region.
“I commend this initiative that gives our youths the platform to showcase their talent and gain exposure,” Onyeocha said. “This kind of event must be sustained to nurture future national and international champions who will bring pride to the South East and to Nigeria.”
Olympic medalist Chika Chukwumerije, making his return to taekwondo administration after a four-year break, coordinated the event. He emphasized the importance of grassroots investment in sports development.
“It’s inspiring to see the region unite for a common goal — youth development,” he said. “When we invest in exposure and structured competitions like this, we’re building future champions, one step at a time.”
One of the emerging stars of the competition, 13-year-old Ikechukwu Chidiebere of Abia State — gold medalist in the Cadet -49kg category — expressed joy at his victory and reflected on how the tournament improved his performance.
“I won two bronze medals at the National Youth Games but hadn’t competed since then,” he said. “This event helped me correct past mistakes and boosted my confidence to aim higher.”
For Musa Enakheme, Enugu State’s Assistant Taekwondo Coach, the championship provided a valuable assessment opportunity ahead of the National Sports Festival, which Enugu is set to host.
“We haven’t participated in competitions for a while,” he noted. “This event opened our eyes to areas that need more work as we prepare for the National Sports Festival.”
The next edition of the South East Regional Taekwondo Championships is scheduled to hold from 20th to 21st February 2026 in Umuahia, Abia State.
Sports
World Athletics, AFN Set for Press Conference Ahead of Abuja City International Half Marathon
Joel Ajayi
With only 10 days remaining before the commencement of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, the organising committee has confirmed that the World Press Conference for the marathon will hold on friday, 5th December, where officials from World Athletics, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), event partners, and other distinguished dignitaries are expected to be in attendance.
It was stated that the briefing will highlight final race arrangements, athlete participation, technical details, safety measures, and other relevant information for the international and local sporting communities.
The organisers also announced that media accreditation has officially opened, encouraging journalists, photographers, broadcasters, and digital media practitioners to apply through the designated online link:
👉 https://forms.gle/CiNHAv4RDw3Eh5Rj7
They emphasised that early accreditation would ensure seamless processing ahead of the event.
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon is projected to attract top-tier competitors and deliver a world-class road-running spectacle, reinforcing Abuja’s growing reputation as a hub for major international sporting events.
-
Featured6 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
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News11 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
