The 10th edition of the Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship commenced on October 18, at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall within the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The founder of the championship, Zainab Saleh, outlined the objectives of this yearly event during a press conference attended by journalists. The championship was established in 2014, with the exception of 2020 when it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about the value of karate for young girls, emphasizing not only the sport’s competitive aspects but also its potential to empower females through self-defense skills. Saleh expressed her desire to create a platform for female karatekas to exhibit their talents and refine their techniques, underscoring the importance of self-defense training for women.
The competition features several categories for participants, including Kata and Kumitae, with opportunities for athletes in senior, junior, cadet, U-14, and U-12 weight classes to win prizes for first, second, and third places. Saleh, who also serves as the chairperson of the Lagos State Karate Association, remarked on the positive impact that the championship has had on the development of karate in Nigeria. She highlighted that many female athletes have been scouted for Nigeria’s national team through this championship. Notably, the participation of a competitor from Benin Republic, who has taken part since the event’s inception and has gone on to compete at international levels, signals the championship’s influence beyond Nigerian borders.
Over the years, the Zainab Saleh Championship has produced several distinguished athletes, such as Gennario Ocean from Benin Republic, who has represented his country at the World Karate Championships, and Rita Ossoni, a bronze medalist at various African Karate Federation competitions. However, the event has not been without its challenges, particularly concerning financial sponsorship. Zainab Saleh has stressed that she has been primarily relied upon to fund the competition, with only limited support from her family. She lamented the lack of corporate engagement, arguing that sponsorship in karate is crucial for its growth, yet many businesses remain fixated on football as a predominant sport for investment. Saleh urged affluent individuals and entities in Nigeria to recognize and support karate as a sport deserving of attention and financial backing.
The excitement surrounding this year’s competition was echoed by Lagos State Karate Coach Soyooye Sola Sunaka, who conveyed his enthusiasm for the event’s potential, especially with participation from countries such as Togo. Sunaka noted that through the Zainab Saleh competition, many female karate practitioners have been discovered, which is a testament to the championship’s role in promoting female representation in the sport. The event aims not only to showcase talent but also to nurture existing skills and encourage new entrants into karate, thus sustaining its growth and development in the region.
The schedule for the championship is comprehensive, commencing with a referee course and examination on October 18, followed by the main competition spanning October 19 and 20. The finals and closing ceremony are set for Sunday, October 20. This structure is designed to ensure all participants and officials are well-prepared, while also promoting an atmosphere of learning and competition that can foster talent among female karatekas. As the championship progresses, it is anticipated that the event will provide valuable experiences and networking opportunities for athletes, coaches, and sponsors alike.
In summary, the Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship stands as a landmark event not only in Nigeria but also within the African karate scene. With its dedication to empowering women, developing skills in karate, and promoting the sport on a broader scale, the championship has made significant strides since its inception. Addressing the need for greater corporate support, fostering a culture of female participation in sports, and showcasing talent across international borders will be key to ensuring the sustainability and success of this important sporting event in future editions. As participants prepare to engage in this year’s competition, the overarching hope remains that the ongoing support and recognition of karate can help it achieve its rightful place in the sporting world, alongside more widely pursued sports such as football.
