All is now set for the third edition of the ‘Strata Base National Open Senior Karate Championship’, which will be held at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Beginning from May 1 to May 4, 2024, over 200 athletes, coaches and Karate administrators from across the country will converge on Port Harcourt to compete for medals in different categories of the championship.
A statement from Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, Chief Executive Officer of Strata Base Group, the main sponsor of the tournament, indicated that, “Karate fans and enthusiasts from around Nigeria will have the opportunity to relax and witness spectacular bouts of Kumite and Kata among participating athletes and teams drawn from states across the country.”
Dimkpa, who is the chairman, South-South Zone of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, said the tournament, aside competition between Karatakers, will also feature refresher training courses and upgrade of referees and coaches in the combat sports, on the sidelines.
He maintained that he was resolute in his commitment to developing the sport and using it as a tool to engage young people and take them away from destructive vices while showcasing talent in an environment of entertainment.
“Asides from engaging young people meaningfully and showing them the possibilities of a life away from crime, was also aimed at showcasing talents to scouts and to serve as avenue to select and groom athletes who will represent Nigeria in international competitions,” he added.
This year’s edition has Solotone Global Resources Nigeria Limited and the Rivers State government as part of the sponsors of the competition.
Recall that the last year’s event, which was the second edition of the ‘Strata Base National Open Senior Karate Championship 2023’, was hosted at the Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with athletes winning a total of 60 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 16 silver and 28 bronze in the overall medal haul, with Team FCT-Abuja dominating the table with a total of 11 medals; 5 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze to clinch the 1st position.
Team Anambra came 2nd, winning a total of eight medals; 4 gold and 4 silver.
Team Strata Base came 3rd winning nine medals; 2 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze.
