Taekwondoes Strategise For Rio Olympics

A board member of the
Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Chika Chukwumerije, has said that strategies have been mapped out to ensure Nigeria’s successful outing at the 2016 Olympics.
Chukwumerije said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, adding that the participation of the country’s athletes in international competitions served as preparatory tests.
He noted that the participation of Nigeria’s athletes in most international competitions and the training of officials were part of the strategies to boost the country’s chances at the Olympic Games.
“Since this board was inaugurated we have had 12 programmes; we have had national referees’ courses; we have had seven coaches go for international coaching courses.
“We have had four national tournaments; we have gone for three internationals, so it’s a lot of work.
“It takes funds but we have a vision and there is a mission.
“The president is a fantastic leader, he leads by example and he pushes us; he says ‘I want results and I want them the right way’,’’ Chukwumerije said.
According to Chukwumerije, the Olympics qualification points being amassed by the country is an indication of the board’s determination to ensure a successful Olympics outing at the Rio 2016.
“I am also going to make sure that we have other young Nigerians winning those points so that as a team when we say ‘taekwondo wants to deliver a medal in Rio 2016’, we mean it.
“We want to do well not just at Rio, we are also looking at 2020 and how we can ensure continuity so that by the time I retire who takes over? There cannot be a vacuum.
“It’s a lot of work and I pray God gives us the grace to keep on attracting the tremendous support we have attracted from Nigerians, and the National Sports Commission.
“I plead with the corporate bodies to come on board; this is a vision that works,’’ Chukwumerije added.
The Olympic and Commonwealth medalist urged public-spirited individuals to invest in the game to encourage more participation.
Nigerian athletes are in Taipei and China for the 2014 World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Youth Olympics Qualifiers.
Points gathered at the competition would enhance Nigeria’s chances in  next year’s All Africa Games and 2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Olympics.