NTF thrilled by Team Nigeria outing at Commonwealth Taekwondo Championship

Being the best outing in any international tournaments, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has lauded the 16-man contingent to the just concluded 6^th Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships held in Edinburg, Scotland.

   Chairman of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Mr. George Ashiru told National dailySports that the feat in Scotland as best the team has achieved in any international tournaments, while hoping that this would help the country’s qualification for the 2016 Olympics.

  Also, the results posted by the team would add to their points ahead of the qualification for Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

  On the final day of the championship, Beijing Olympics medalist, Chika Chukwumerije added a silver medal while the duo of Uzoamaka Otuadinima and Segun Olushola claimed bronze medals to improve Nigeria’s medal haul for the team to finish among the top four teams at the Championship.

  From the 16 athletes that represented Nigeria at the championship, nine of them won medals in their various weight categories.

  England, Canada and host – Scotland topped the medal table ahead of the 20 other nations that took part in the competition held at the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburg.

  Over 450 athletes competed for honours in Kyorugi (fighting), Poomsae (a defined set of movements incorporating blocking, kicking and striking techniques) and, for the first time, Para-taekwondo.
  

Although taekwondo is now an established Olympic sport and on the programme for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, it is classified as a "category two" sport in relation to the Commonwealth Games
  Organizers hope the event would strengthen Taekwondo's bid to be included on the programme of sports for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, to be held in either Durban in South Africa or Edmonton in Canada.