Taekwondo coach urges NTF to make sport attractive to youths

Akinwunmi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the provision of modern equipment, kits and regular competition would make the sport attractive to youths. He said that lack of modern equipment and competitions were factors responsible for the sport being underdeveloped. “Youths are tempted to sports which are popular and […]

Akinwunmi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the provision of modern equipment, kits and regular competition would make the sport attractive to youths.

He said that lack of modern equipment and competitions were factors responsible for the sport being underdeveloped.

“Youths are tempted to sports which are popular and such sports will in no time be developed with speed.

“For instance, the NTF have just two major competitions in a year with lack of modern equipment and kits; so, how do we reach out to the youth?’’ he queried.

The 2006 Gateway Games gold medalist added that youths would only acquire interest in the sport if they were exposed to the sport through regular competitions and demonstration programmes.

Akinwunmi, who is a black belt holder, advocated for taekwondo to be re-introduced in schools in order to further encourage youths to be interested in the sport.

“I urge the NTF to re-introduce the sport in schools through grassroots talent hunt programmes in order for more youths to be encouraged to take part in taekwondo,’’ he said.

The coach explained that very few Nigerian taekwondoists represent the country at international competitions because the number of those graded were insignificant. (NAN)