By Milcah Tanimu
Octagon TKD has emerged as the triumphant team in the 6th edition of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Invitational Taekwondo Open held in Abuja. The event, hosted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, witnessed Octagon TKD securing the top position with an impressive haul of 26 medals. This comprised eight gold, seven silver, and 11 bronze medals.
Following closely, Eagle TKD from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) claimed the second place with a tally of five gold, six silver, and 10 bronze medals. The FCT contingent took the third spot with two gold medals, while Alamo TKD and Martial Arts finished fourth with one silver medal. Prestis TKD from Niger, the only invited club, did not feature on the medal table.
The distinguished awards of the tournament were presented to two outstanding athletes. Uneh Unique from FCT clinched the female athlete of the tournament award, while the male athlete of the tournament accolade was bestowed upon Jideofor Chukwumerije from Octagon TKD. The spirited final between Chukwumerije and Achu Franco of Alamo TKD and Martial Arts was acclaimed as the highlight fight of the tournament.
A total of 82 competitors participated across 15 categories encompassing kiddies, cadets, and juniors levels. In the various kiddies categories, Octagon TKD showcased their dominance. In the male category for ages four years, Fehintoluwa Fasominu secured gold, and Zayd Idris claimed silver. In the five to six years age bracket, Chukwuka Anafulu secured gold, while Timi Tilley-Gyado took silver for Octagon TKD. In the seven to eight years age group, Jideofor Chukwumerije claimed gold, and Franco Achu took silver for Alamo TKD and Martial Arts.
The competition was a resounding success, exemplifying the commitment of the CCSF to fostering grassroots sports development in Nigeria. Chika Chukwumerije, the founder and CEO of CCSF, emphasized the importance of merging entertainment with sports to create engaging events that both support talent growth and offer alternatives to traditional entertainment avenues. Chukwumerije, an Olympic medalist from the Beijing 2008 Games, reiterated his dedication to discovering emerging talents and nurturing future Olympic champions.
Chukwumerije was deeply involved in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, personally supporting young athlete Elizabeth Anyanacho to compete. His commitment extends to various grassroots development projects, and he is keen on organizing more sports entertainment events under the CCSF banner, with plans for an elaborate event in December. Additionally, the foundation is set to initiate an orphanage project aimed at aiding underprivileged children, further solidifying its commitment to youth empowerment and sports development