Sports
Martial Arts Club To Hold Karate Course, Grading Exams In PH
The Senior Technical Instructor of School of Martial Arts Club, Rockville Montessori International, in Port Harcourt, Senior Sempai Godday Chiso Amadi, has said that arrangements have been concluded to hold karate course and grading examinations in the city.
He stated that the event is scheduled to hold at Diplomat Avenue, Opposite Harmony Estate Rupkwulusi New Layout, in Port Harcourt from 9th August through 11th this year, saying that the Chief Coach of Rivers State Karate Association and head of Shogun Martial Arts Academy, Leader Yacob K. O. Davied, is expected to conduct the grading examination.
This was contained in a statement signed by himself and made available to Tidesports yesterday.
He disclosed that at end of the event, some of the students would be promoted to different ranks.
“We will use the occasion to promote some of our students to different ranks, as Jayden Egwunwoke, Anthony Nwosu and Munachi Wanuo, will be promoted to senior white belt.
“Those to be promoted to yellow belt are; Chukwudubem Ibekwe, Precious Linus, Fegor Ntigoroku, Alex Akunna and Brian Ogbungmiri, as some others will be promoted to orange belt”, Sampai Amadi said.
The senior instructor used the forum to advise parents to always educate their children on the importance of Martial Arts, adding that the sport makes people to have self confidence, discipline, boldness and teaches them how to carry out selfless services.
“ I want to call on State and Federal Governments in the country to include martial arts in school curriculum because it will make the children to be mentally and physically fit.
“ It also makes the child to have self confidence, discipline and fearless” he added.
He further thanked the Federal Ministry of Youth Sports for including Martial arts in the National Youth Games as one of the scoring sport.
By: Tonye Orabere
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.