President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Silas Agara, has lauded the achievements of Nigerian athletes at the recently concluded African Karate Championship held in Abuja. The event witnessed participation from over 30 countries and attracted approximately 1,000 athletes.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, which took place inside the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Agara expressed gratitude for the support received from the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission, acknowledging their crucial role in facilitating the successful hosting of the tournament.
“We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far. Successfully hosting this championship is a major win for us,” Agara stated.
He highlighted the impressive level of competition, noting that despite countries like Egypt arriving with ten world-class athletes, Nigerian competitors managed to fight fiercely for top positions in the finals.
“Our athletes are now performing at a level where they can share the podium with the best. Morocco also brought five world-ranked athletes. For many years, North African nations have dominated the sport, but Nigeria is now making its mark,” he added.
Agara also recognized the participation of nations such as Senegal and Burkina Faso, who have invested significantly in karate. “In comparison, we are newcomers, but with our achievements—winning medals across various categories—there is every reason to be proud. It demonstrates that our athletes are on the right path.”
In conclusion, Agara conveyed his optimism for the future of karate in Nigeria, asserting that with ongoing investment and development, the country is poised to become a formidable force in the sport throughout Africa and beyond.
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