NAN-S-3
Participation
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Dec. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) says athletes will be invited to national trials based on their performances at the First Invitational Taekwondo Championships and Korean Ambassador Cup.
Sunny Obot, NTF Secretary, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that both competitions held in Lagos were of international standards that produced good athletes.
He said that plans were on to invite and identify the best out of the athletes through national trials ahead of international championships.
Obot said that the body would invite the athletes based on their performances in fights and poomsae at the two major national championships and other national competitions held in Lagos this year.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure that our local athletes are good and have something to show in any competition that they take part in, so we are very particular about their selection.
“The invitational championships and Korean Ambassador cup are standard competitions which attracted highly rated athletes from across the country, where some won medals.
“We have their data which will guide us in inviting those who pulled their weight to confirm their competencies in the trials coming up early next year,” he said.
He said the trials would also accommodate a few athletes who performed reasonably well but could not win any medals, adding that they could improve their forms if given the opportunity.
“There were few athletes at these championships who displayed impressive skills, even though they did not win medals.
“We will incorporate them on the list for the trials.
“We have our seasoned technical officials who are familiar with what is obtainable in terms of skills and forms that can increase their medal chances,” he added.
The secretary urged the concerned athletes and their coaches to show more commitment in their trainings, as the federation remained objective in selecting capable athletes for international tournaments.
“Both athletes and coaches need to increase the tempo of their trainings because the trials and selection will be strictly based on the atletes current forms; not past records,” he said.
He emphasised that the World Championship was a fundamental tournament and that the federation was committed to bringing honour to its fans and the nation at large. (NAN)
MIL/ASS/PAD
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Edited by Peter Dada