Nigerian taekwondo athlete tussles with an Uzbek foe at the Beijing Olympics

As preparations for the 10th All Africa Games gather steam, the training camp of taekwondo is buzzing with excitement as Federation President, Dr Jonathan Nnnaji stormed the camp Wednesday with the latest World Taekwondo Federation-sanctioned kits for the athletes.

The atmosphere was electrifying as athletes went into frenzy to celebrate the kits that was made possible by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Dr Nnaji, who new Sports Minister, Yusuf Suleiman and Director General, Dr Patrick Ekeji met over the kits, said that the strategic plan of taekwondo to mine gold in Maputo was now on course ahead of the All Africa Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“It's awesome to think that Nigerian athletes can have this latest equipment to train with before the Games. I'm happy that the NSC can do this and it is left for the athletes to reciprocate by winning the medals in Maputo and London respectively,” an overwhelmed Nnaji said.

Part of the kits that thrilled the athletes was a Video Dartfish that helps both taekwondoists and coaches to monitor their opponents and their athletes during fights. There is also Electronic Body Protector with a sensor which is worn by taekwondoists and transfers kicks during fights to the scoreboard to eliminate cheating and gang-ups by over-zealous officials.

“I am particularly impressed with this development. Now, our taekwondoists can get used to them before tournaments.  Wearing them to train now will take away the usual fright that come with seen them during tournaments only. Some of them are heavy and could have been strange to them during the competition,” Nnaji noted.