By Idowu Ibrahim Oluwadamilare (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
At least 200 karate athletes are set to participate in the 9th edition of the Zainab Saleh International Female Karate Championship, which will be held from November 2nd to 5th at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Zainab Saleh, the event’s founder, announced this during a press conference at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
The tournament will commence on Friday, November 3rd, following a referees’ course and examination on Thursday, November 2nd, as per the standard for all African and World tournaments.
After the competition concludes on Saturday, November 4, prizes will be awarded to the gold, silver, and two bronze medalists in the Kata and Kumitae categories across the senior, junior, cadet, U-14, and U-12 (10-11) weight classes.
Saleh, the chairperson of the Lagos State Karate Association, highlighted the championship’s significant role in promoting women’s karate in Nigeria and its contribution to athletes’ growth and development.
She expressed her hope for continued corporate sponsorships to support the event’s growth.
The Zainab Saleh International Female Karate Championship has been an annual event since 2014, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also aims to raise awareness of the benefits of karate for young girls and women, with the goal of expanding the talent pool for the National Team and potentially qualifying athletes for the Olympic Games. Saleh encouraged athletes to seize the opportunity to train and showcase their talents.
