By Kuti Dare.
National Karate Champions, Ogene Ifeanyi (-67kg) and Ohiemi Obogo Ocholi (+84kg) will be at their best when the Karate 1 Premier League goes under from 31st March to 2nd April, 2017 at Dubai.
7 times National Champion, Ogene Ifeanyi who hails from Anambra state, will be making his 2nd major world event after appearing at the first Dubai open held last year.
The world number 403 said aside having the aspiration of winning a medal for his fatherland Nigeria, he plans to gather points ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“Since the Olympic Committee succeeded in including Karate amongst sports that will be competed for at the games most Nigeria Karatekas have started plans to appear at both Africa and overseas tournaments to boost our points” He said.
Ogene with the WKF ID number NGR2038 and fighting in the Kumite category said “the nation can be great in Karate if they are motivated with appearances at major events as well as properly kitted”.
Another athlete hoisting Nigeria flag in Dubai is Ohiemi Obogo Ocholi (+84kg) in the Kumite Heavy weight category who is currently ranked 222 in the world with WKF ID, NGR2039.
The Kogi born athlete said “what will be a motivating factor for us is the cash prize to be won at the Premier League. It has been stated by the organizer that gold medalist goes home with 500 Euros while silver and bronze wins 300 and 100 Euros respectively.
National female champions, Ronke Ogunsanwo (-60kg) and Rita Asone (-68kg) will be missing at the Open Dubai Karate Premier League 2017.
It will be recalled that four Nigeria Karatekas participated at the Karate 1 premier league in 2016.
Credit: combatnewswatch.com
