Olympic bronze medalist Chika Chukwumereije has reignited passion for Taekwondo in Nigeria’s Southeast, mentoring young athletes at the South East Taekwondo Championship held in Owerri, Imo State.
The event brought together promising fighters from Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi States, showcasing not just skill but the growing strength of grassroots sports development in the region.
Hosts Imo State topped the medal table with a commanding 41 medals — 13 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze. Abia State followed closely with 28 medals, including 12 gold, while Ebonyi and Enugu secured 8 and 4 medals respectively.
Imo’s Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, described the championship as “a seedbed for future Olympians,” pledging full government support for continued development in martial arts and other disciplines.
Chukwumereije, who has transitioned from athlete to mentor, emphasized the power of consistency and community in building champions.
“I’m happy to see people come together to push the grassroots development agenda,” he said. “Our youth deserve this exposure — investing in them is the way forward. This is how to produce future champions, one brick at a time.”
The championship, hailed as a milestone for the sport in Eastern Nigeria, will continue its regional tour with the next edition set for 20–21 February in Umuahia, Abia State.
