By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Kaduna State have emerged overall winners of the Second Edition of the North West Regional Open Karate Championship, which ended on Friday July 1 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Team Kaduna garnered four gold, five silver and nine bronze medals.
Kano State followed closely with three gold, four silver and five bronze medals to finish second.
Third position was claimed by Zamfara State who picked two gold, three silver and three bronze medals, while NIgeria Immigration Service placed fourth with two gold medals.
Dynamic Dragons and Nigerian Air Force tied at the fifth position with one gold, one bronze apiece.
The competition which also featured Regional Coaches and Referees Course was held between June 28 to July 2.
It featured Junior Category, 16 to 17 years and Senior Category, 18 years and above.
In an interview with newsmen, an elated Team Kaduna Coach, Chief Emmanuel Agbo John (JP) expressed delight at the victory of his team.
He commended his boys and girls for putting up brilliant performances.
High point of the closing ceremony was presentation of certificates to all that participated and medals to those that finished tops.
Sponsored by Honourable Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, Chairman North West, Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN). In his remarks, he said that there was no loser, all that participated are winners.
“I hope by next year, we will see new generation of karatakers. I hope most of you will represent NIgeria in future.
I am very happy that North West is coming up.
I will try my best to ensure this competition is sustained annually.
First edition was held in Zamfara State last year.
High point of the closing ceremony was the presentation of certificates and medals to participants
Director of Sports Kaduna State, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim in his remarks said that Kaduna State Govt will sponsor two karatakers to Commonwealth championship next month
He said since the present administration came into being, several federations have been sponsored to championships all over the country.
He thanked all the participants.
