NAN-S-10
Coach
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) A Lagos-based Taekwondo Coach, Tochukwu Anyakora, has advised the use of modern electronic scoring devices at championships organised for various categories of athletes in the country.
Anyakora gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos on the proposed use of manual scoring system in the forthcoming 1st Calabar Open Championships.
He said registered athletes in the U-12, U-17 and adult categories would pull their weights in Kyorugi (fights) and Poomsae (demonstration) events in the two-day contest.
The championships organised by Cross-River State Taekwondo Association will hold at the Five-two Zero Hotel, Kolanut Event Centre, Opposite Calabar City Mall from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21.
“The use of manual scoring is phased out and replaced with latest technologies in electronics devices which is an update and a requirement at championships organised everywhere.
“It’s funny for us to use the manual system at championships, especially when youths are involved.
“Can we be said to be going forward or going backward?
“It doesn’t augur well with the trend of the sport in our nation because our athletes must be exposed and made to be familiar with modern electronic devices right from here.
“When they have an opportunity to compete outside at international levels, they will be able to blend with the devices being used globally, ’’ he said.
Anyakora said most state coaches and athletes were subjected to manual system as they do not have the modern devices within their reach to effectively hold trainings.
According to him, most national champions had their background on manual system training which really helped them to improve on the electronics.
“This is like a case of somebody who learns driving with manual gear, he or she will bring the experience of manual to play when driving an automatic car,’’ Anyakora said.
He added that, organisers of open championships must endeavour to provide competitors the required technology and environment to experience modern scoring devices to improve their individual skills. (NAN)
MIL/MOL/PDE
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(Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Peter Ejiofor)