Kickboxing to take a new leap as Barrister Atanda vows to sustain Championship

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The Chairman, Kwara State  Kickboxing Association, Barrister Ibrahim Atanda has stated his readiness to explore every opportunity to take the sport to the highest level.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of Kwara State zonal and invitational Championship/Referee Seminar on Saturday, Barrister Atanda experessed displeasure that the martial sport is not getting the best of attention and promised to change the narrative.

“Kickboxing is not getting the best of attention. And I believe it’s another way to develop sports in general, that’s why we have taken it upon ourselves to sponsor this tournament in order to promote it to the peak”, the legal practitioner said.

The Chairman stated that his passion for the development of sports has also formed his basis for his ambition to become the President of Kickboxing in Nigeria at any given opportunity

Although, the sudden death of Olufunke Ogunsuyi, a kickboxing Coach from Ogun state, who participated in the event almost robbed off the programme it’s momentum, the Chairman stated that the success of the Championship would encourage him to do more in order to give athletes opportunity to showcase their skills and get promoted to the National scene.

He described the death of Olufunke as unfortunate and assured everything will be done to give her a befitting burial ceremony.

The the former kickboxing champion was reported to have died from a suspected High Blood Pressue (HBP) when her lifeless body was picked up in her room on Saturday.

The programme, which commenced on 28th of July represent the aggressive and strategic resolve of the association to develop the sport in the state and Nigeria as a whole .

A total number of 12 states participated in the tournament. At the overall medal chart, Kwara state emerged the winner of the Championship while Ondo, Ogun and Niger State trailed behind respectively.

Among many other guests at the event were the Director of Kwara State Sports Council; Mallam Ibrahim Alarape Atanda, a Director from the Kwara State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development; Alhaji Shehu Olushola, Kickboxing Coach in the state; Bolaji Sidiq and a host of others.

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