Sports
Karateka Seeks Women’s Interest In Karate
A Karate National Champion, Aderonke Ogunsanwo has advised more females to develop interest in Karate as a means of self-defence.
Ogunsanwo, a champion in the 50kg category, gave the advice in an interview with Tidesports source in Lagos yesterday.
She said that females were more at risk of possible male harassment and attacks.
Ogunsanwo said that it was not a bad idea if everyone engaged in the sport, as it helps to imbibe self-control and shape one’s lifestyle.
“Karate to me is a way of life. It teaches respect, self control, honesty and generally shapes one’s life.
“Basically, it is essential for every person to have an idea of self-defence.
“Considering the dangers most females are exposed to in the society, taking Karate classes will teach and prepare them to defend themselves and in the larger picture, it is also a career,’’ she said.
Ogunsanwo, who won a gold medal at the Nasarawa Open Championships in April, said that she hoped to make the final team selection for the African Games in Morocco.
“The work continues and I have to be in top form to make the final team and ultimately win a medal in Morocco,’’ she said.
She said that lack of exposure to international competitions was affecting Karatekas’ ranking in the world, saying that everything had to do with finance.
“The major problem we are facing is lack of exposure to international championships which boils down to the fact that we don’t have sponsors to fund these trips.
“If funds are available to go for events, national athletes will get better and gain more experience which will eventually boost our world ranking.
“Attending and winning international rating championships is the only way to achieve featuring at the Olympics.
“Athletes around the world travel around to earn points to qualify for the Olympics. If we can get the desired exposure, then Nigeria is ready to be represented at the Olympics,’’ Ogunsanwo said.
She said that it was every athlete’s dream to compete in the Olympics.
Ogunsanwo also advised upcoming Karatekas to enjoy the sport before looking for financial gains.
“They should enjoy the art and be happy practising it before looking for financial gains.
“Most of the athletes coming up now are just after what they can get financially immediately without really understanding the art,’’ she said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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