Judo Secretariat moves to Umuahia for Kalu

Barely one week to the 2nd National Orji Uzor Kalu Open Judo Championship, both the organizers, the Nigeria Judo Federation and practitoners, the Judokas, have been neck-deep in dress-rehaearsal sessions. While the federation has virtually moved its secretariat to the Abia State capital, Umuahia in an apparent move to ensure a hitch-free championship, the Judokas are working extra hard not only to achieve victory in their respective events, emerging as one of those, who would be selected to represent the country at international championships.

According to our sources, Judokas from all the 36 States of the country, Abuja and clubs are expected to feature in the event, which the federation's Scribe, Mrs. Tayo Oreweme described as "one of the rejuvinated programmes of the federation, aimed at ensuring a healthier and better results-oriented performance of Judo in the country.

Speaking with nigeriasports.com shortly before leaving Lagos for Umuahia, venue of the event, which has been slated for August 10 - 13, 2005, she said that, "the championship is the biggest show on our calender this year, and the Sponsor is our President, Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.  So, you can see that, there is the need to make sure that, everything is put in place on time for a successful tournament."

The Orji Kalu championship is accorded so much importance by both the federation and the Judokas, because it would provide a forum for the country to select a Judo team for the World Championship billed for Cairo, Egypt in September, 2005. Moreover, the country's judo body is raring to storm the global event, which is coming to Africa for the first time next month, with a crack squad to be raised from the Umuahia showdown.

We also learnt that, only the International Judo Federation, (IJF) approved seven weight categories would feature in the Nigerian National Open Championship.

You won't be able to add comments, unless you are logged in
Not Registered yet ? Click here to Register.