Sports
NTF Begins Registration For Nigeria International Taekwando Open
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) yesterday in Abuja said it has begun the registration of athletes intending to participate in the upcoming World Taekwondo-sanctioned Nigeria International Open.
The NTF Technical Director, Chika Chukwumerije, told newsmen that registration was reopened on Saturday and would now close on January 20.
The Nigeria International Taekwondo Open was earlier slated to hold from November 16 to November 18, but it was postponed.
“Seventy-three athletes from 10 countries had previously registered, before we had to re-schedule the event.
“Before the postponement, only 18 athletes from Nigeria registered, and this did not make any sense.
“It is not wise to have our first G-1 event for other countries to come and top the medals table and walk away with all those ranking points.
“The federation listened to advice and shifted it to give our Nigerian taekwondo community time to get their Global Membership System (GMS) licence and Kukkiwon certification.
“These are mandatory to have for World Taekwondo events,’’ Chukwumerije said.
However, with the event now slated for February 8 to February 10, registration of participants became imperative.
Chukwumerije said all taekwondo athletes with fully operational GMS Licence should use the Nigeria International Taekwondo Open website to register.
He added that payment for the event would be done at the venue of the event.
Tidesports reports that the postponement would enable athletes in Nigeria and other West African countries to conclude the GSM licensing.