Ogba back from the US with new hope “I was at the Battle of Columbus and there I realised the potentials we have in karate in this country”, the fifth dan practitioner volunteered. Ogba who was still lamenting the denial of his athletes visas by the American Embassy however said his trip was a big learning experience. “I was really sad travelling to such a huge occasion without my athletes whom the Ebonyi State government had spent a lot of money on in terms of preparation but it was a wise decision for me to have gone. “If my karatekas had gone they would have done Africa proud. All the other African teams which turned up could not perform” he emphasised, his voice rising in rage. “The Battle of Columbus was an eye-opener. I interacted with the big shots of the martial arts and brother at the end day there was a lot of gain” The seasoned coach who has traversed the globe had some questions for the United States Embassy which he accused of what he called “systematic rip off”. “It has become the habit of the US embassy to deny athletes on legitimate sports programmes visas after collecting $100 per head” He insisted that the embassy had no reason to deny his athletes visas “not after we had satisfied all the requirements for getting a visa”. Ogba said he complained to the organisers of the Battle of Columbus about the attitude of the US embassy in Lagos. “I have complained officially to the organisers and I just hope the incident of denying athletes visas would never happen again” he added. Meanwhile, the never-say-die coach is full of thanks to the Ebonyi State governor, Dr. Sam Egwu for his financial and moral support to karate in the state. “Our governor, Dr. Sam Egwu is the rock and spirit of karate in the state. The man has committed a lot to our programmes and he is still willing to support in spite of the set back caused by the US embassy”. “With the governor always there for us, we will never give up” he added. By IKPO IGBINOBA, News Editor 0
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