Abuja: Some officials of the Union of African Karate Federation (UFAK) have commended the high standard of organisation of the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship in Abuja.
Some of the officials who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday on the sidelines of the championship said they were impressed with the infrastructure at the venue.
Souleymane Gaye, the President of UFAK, said the championship was the largest gathering of nations participating in the African Championship.
According to him, the championship, held annually, features categories such as cadets, juniors, and seniors (aged 18 to 30 years).
“This is the highest gathering of athletes and countries participating in a continental championship; it is imposing.
“The last time we hosted a championship in Nigeria was in 2003 during the All-African Games, which was 22 years ago.
“It is excellent for us to organise an African Championship again.
“I was here last year for the regional championship, and I told the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Silas Agara, to prepare to host the continental championship.
“Agara agreed to do so. We are all happy with the standard of organisation of the championship,” he said.
Bechir Cherif of Tunisia, the First Vice President of the World Federation and First Vice President of UFAK, stated that the organisation was of world standard.
“I must confess that this is equal to the world standards of karate organisation. We have excellent facilities that meet world standards, and our hall is filled with the ambience of athletes.
“I thank the President of the Nigeria Karate Federation for this great job. I also thank Nigeria and Abuja city for accommodating us,” he said.
On his part, Sonny Pillay, the Second Vice-President of UFAK, from South Africa, said: “I want to compliment the Federation of Nigeria for organising this championship in a very organised and standard manner.
“There’s a massive potential for karate to develop in Nigeria, especially after a championship of this calibre.
