By Georgina Adegbie

Zainab Sani, a continental referee, says the large number of participating athletes, officials, and countries at the 2025 African Karate Championship, taking place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, shows how developed Karate has become in Africa.

Sani, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said that the championship started on Monday with courses and examinations for referees.

“All athletes from different countries have been having their training sessions since Monday in preparation for the competition.

“The athletes are determined to give their best in their games, the competition will end on Sunday with presentation of award and medals,” she said.

Sani, who is also a board member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), said the federation has been working seriously to ensure a successful championship.

She congratulated the President of KFN, Silas Agara, on winning the fourth Vice President position of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

“This will bring new development to sports in the country and on the continent.

“Our president is dedicated to improving the standard of karate in Nigeria; he has everything it takes to deliver,” she said

Sani, who is also a world karate judge, is part of the organisers of the championship, working to ensure everything is in order.

NAN reports that four categories will feature in the competition: Cadet (aged 14-15 years), Junior (aged 16-17 years), Senior category (aged 18 years and above).

Nigeria is fielding 60 athletes, many of whom are African champions and Commonwealth Games medalists.

A total of 31 countries are participating in the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship, which started on Monday and is expected to end on Sunday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh