Technical Director of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Chika Chukwumerije, has emerged as first-ever Nigerian to graduate from the maiden World Taekwondo (WT) Educator Certification Programme.
Upon his graduation, the three-time Olympian clinched crucial WT approval to move round the world and train coaches for international events.
An elated Chukwumerije who is currently in South Korea, where he took part in the course, said his current achievement was a laudable feat adding that the knowledge gained from it would go a long way in uplifting the status of NTF, particularly in second-batch of coaching programmes already lined up later this year.
Upon assuming leadership of NTF, Mrs Margret Binga-led NTF board toured the country’s various geo-political zones and groomed coaches drawn from states.
The resultant effect has led to triumph of upgrade in performances of Athletes at both National and international events.
While highlighting more gains of the just concluded course on Monday, Chukwumerije affirmed: “I just graduated from the 1st World Taekwondo Educator Certification Program. It was a huge privilege and honour for me when the World Taekwondo Education Committee specifically reached out to me two weeks ago, saying that they needed the best technical minds around the World to be part of this Pioneering Program, whose objective is to develop a select number of World Taekwondo Educators who would be sent to various regions of the World to Educate and Train Coaches that come for WT International Events.
“Truly, it was an honour to be with the best from around the world. I learnt so much from the loaded courses and interactions with other participants, who are global Taekwondo superstars in their various fields.
“Though I was invited in my personal capacity, the knowledge gained will surely come in handy for Nigeria Taekwondo. For instance, it will certainly change our curriculum for the six-zone coaching workshops that we have already planned for across Nigeria much later this year. I will work together with the Chairman, Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Sani Lawal, to make the program tremendously richer than it already is, from a technical point of view.
“Let us keep working together to make Nigeria Taekwondo stronger both nationally and internationally.”
Aside Chukwumerije, other Taekwondo Stakeholders have recently maximised opportunities to improve on latest know-how in Taekwondo practice.
As part of effort to continuously improve her refereeing prowess and stand a chance of officiating at forthcoming 2020 Olympic Games, NTF President few days ago was part of selection and training camp organised for selected Referees from various countries across the world.
