In a bid to have more qualified technical officials, in Rivers State, for the forthcoming 17th National Sports Festival, the state Karate Association has organised a five day course for technical officials and coaches.

According to the Principal Head Coach of the Association, Leader Yahcob Kingsley Ewelie, the course which started last week ended yesterday with the presentation of certificates to participants.

Leader Ewelie, who is popularly known as “Grand Master” explained that the course was designed to ensure that Karate coaches and technical officials know the latest rules of the sport.

“The association deemed it  necessary to organise this course to keep our coaches and technical officials abreast of the current rules of the sport and to enable them officiate correctly at the forthcoming National Sports Festival, billed to be hosted by the state”, he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of Nigeria Karate League, Emmanuel Metu, said that it is important to upgrade the technical knowledge of coaches in every field of sports through constant refresher course.

Metu, who is also the Imo State Karate Coach stated the essence of the course was to have competent referees and judges, so that there will be fair and unbiased officiating in the sport.

“We don’t want to use unqualified officials in any competition, especially the forthcoming sports festival, because judges’ decisions are final, as such, we really need the best.

“We also don’t want to make room for petitions from athletes and officials due to poor judgement or officiating Metu explained.

Tonye Orabere