….Imo Sports Commissioner Commends Organizers, Promises Continued Support
Joel Ajayi
Owerri came alive over the weekend as 74 athletes from four South Eastern states thrilled spectators at the South East Taekwondo Championships, held from 7th to 9th November 2025 at the Indoor Hall of Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Host state Imo dominated the medal table, clinching 41 medals — 13 Gold, 15 Silver, and 13 Bronze — to emerge overall champions. Abia State followed closely with 28 medals (12 Gold, 11 Silver, and 5 Bronze), while Ebonyi secured 8 medals (4 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze). Enugu State rounded off the tally with 4 medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze).
The Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, who was present during the finals and medal presentation, praised the organizers for promoting grassroots sports development in the region.
“I commend this initiative that gives our youths the platform to showcase their talent and gain exposure,” Onyeocha said. “This kind of event must be sustained to nurture future national and international champions who will bring pride to the South East and to Nigeria.”
Olympic medalist Chika Chukwumerije, making his return to taekwondo administration after a four-year break, coordinated the event. He emphasized the importance of grassroots investment in sports development.
“It’s inspiring to see the region unite for a common goal — youth development,” he said. “When we invest in exposure and structured competitions like this, we’re building future champions, one step at a time.”
One of the emerging stars of the competition, 13-year-old Ikechukwu Chidiebere of Abia State — gold medalist in the Cadet -49kg category — expressed joy at his victory and reflected on how the tournament improved his performance.
“I won two bronze medals at the National Youth Games but hadn’t competed since then,” he said. “This event helped me correct past mistakes and boosted my confidence to aim higher.”
For Musa Enakheme, Enugu State’s Assistant Taekwondo Coach, the championship provided a valuable assessment opportunity ahead of the National Sports Festival, which Enugu is set to host.
“We haven’t participated in competitions for a while,” he noted. “This event opened our eyes to areas that need more work as we prepare for the National Sports Festival.”
The next edition of the South East Regional Taekwondo Championships is scheduled to hold from 20th to 21st February 2026 in Umuahia, Abia State.
