Senior and junior karatekas are participating in the ongoing 2025 Lagos Open Karate Competition at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The tournament serves as a valuable platform for karate practitioners to test their skills against their peers, improve their performances, and promote the martial art and its values, particularly among the young athletes.
Participants competed in Kata, which is open to various categories, while Kumite featured competitors in the -60kg, -50kg, and -45kg weight classes for both male and female categories.
Speaking after her participation in Kumite, Aluko Aisha, a JSS3 student from Ifako Comprehensive Junior School, expressed her excitement about competing in the 2025 Lagos Open Karate Competition. She shared that her passion for martial art continues to grow due to consistent training and the opportunity to showcase her skills. She added that she is determined to reach higher level in the sport.
Ayodele Ramot, who competed in the Kumite 50kg category, emphasized her commitment to improving her skills. She noted that her passion for karate goes beyond competition, as it teaches respect, discipline, and self-defense.
Ramot, a medalist at the last National Youth Games in Asaba, stated that she is focused on defeating her opponents in her weight to secure a place in the senior team. She highlighted that mastering karate requires skills and different strategies in executing tackles.
The Lagos State Karate Coach, Shoyoye Shola Saunaka, added that the initiative serves as trials to select the best athletes from both the U-17 and in the senior categories.
He further explained that the competition will also help in preparing a formidable team ahead of the National Sports Festival while assessing the performance levels of karate practitioners across different weight classes.