Karate: Junaid, Ehiojibua Lead Gold Rush As Japanese Ambassador’s Tournament Takes Off

Action finally got into full swing at the 5th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament in Abuja on Friday, with Amina Junaid of SKA Niger, Jennifer Ehiojibua of Delta State, Igwe Chinweike of WSKF Anambra and Lawrence Chukwuemeka of WSKF Anambra emerging among the early gold medallists.

The championship, which was initially delayed on Thursday because of logistical challenges at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, got properly underway on Friday with athletes competing across several categories.

The results released by the Technical Director of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Dave Jegede, showed a strong representation from different states and karate clubs in the opening events.

Junaid claimed gold in the Cadet Individual Kata (Female) for SKA Niger, while Adango Chidiebere of Taraba State settled for silver.

Hamida Yakubu Abdullahi of SKA Niger and Oluwadabira Odetunde of Kaduna State won bronze medals in the category.

In the Junior Individual Kata (Female), Delta State’s Jennifer Ehiojibua took gold, with Ramat Ayodele of Hajia Foundation winning silver.

Hafsat Junaid of SKA Niger and Stephanie Shikar of the FCT secured bronze medals.

The Cadet Individual Kata (Male) gold went to Igwe Chinweike of WSKF Anambra, while Adamu Umar of SKA Niger claimed silver.

Tisan Bitiyong of JAJH Kaduna and Muhammed Abdulaziz of Classic M.A. Abuja completed the podium with bronze medals.

WSKF Anambra continued its impressive showing in the Junior Individual Kata (Male) as Lawrence Chukwuemeka won gold.

Ojeniyi Oluwatobi of the FCT took silver, while Abraham Sunday, also of the FCT, and WSKF Anambra’s Njoku Goodluck secured bronze.

The Junior Team Kata (Female) saw the FCT Abuja team emerge champions, with SKA Niger taking silver.

Kano State and TAJA Karate Budoker Team of Kaduna shared the bronze medals.

The tournament subsequently moved into the male team event, with the senior men’s and women’s categories also scheduled as the championship gathers momentum.

The three-day tournament is expected to climax on Saturday, August 22, with participating athletes, coaches and officials scheduled to depart Abuja on Sunday.

The competition is also significant beyond the medals at stake, as it serves as a platform for identifying and assessing athletes who could represent Nigeria at forthcoming international competitions, including the African Karate Championship in Algeria.

Following Thursday’s disruption, organisers will be hoping that the remaining events proceed without further setbacks as athletes battle for honours in one of the country’s major karate competitions.