The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) announced its 2026 calendar of activities, placing a strong focus on grassroots development and talent discovery. The federation presented this calendar during a meeting at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The calendar includes three key grassroots events aimed at finding young talent and promoting the sport across the country.
Emphasis on Grassroots Development and Youth Engagement
The NTF president, Chamberlain Dunkwu, emphasized that the federation’s efforts are centered on building a sustainable future for taekwondo in Nigeria. “We are committed to developing taekwondo at the grassroots level,” Dunkwu said. Key events in the 2026 calendar include the Swim to the Future competition, taking place on March 7 in Abuja, and the National Junior Taekwondo Championship, called Swim for Life, scheduled for April 2–4. These events aim to introduce more young athletes to taekwondo and help them develop their skills.
NTF’s Strategic Vision for the Future of Taekwondo
The federation will focus on grassroots development by organizing zonal tournaments to scout young athletes. The NTF will also hold zonal national camps to select players for the national team and discover more talent. “We will focus on scouting young athletes with great potential,” Dunkwu added, explaining that the federation’s strategy includes expanding the sport to all regions of the country.
In addition to the tournaments, the NTF will start training camps for athletes selected from the zonal tournaments. This system will provide a direct pipeline for talented players to reach the national team.
Preparing for the All Africa Championship in Morocco
The NTF is also preparing for the All Africa Taekwondo Championship in Morocco in April 2026. Dunkwu stressed the importance of early preparation for the event, saying, “We must begin selecting athletes soon to ensure we are ready for the competition.”
Developing Taekwondo Infrastructure and Coaches
The NTF’s new initiatives also include developing the sport’s infrastructure. A four-man committee will focus on club registration, affiliation, and guidelines for the use of the NTF logo. Dunkwu mentioned that the committee will also address coaching and referee grading, ensuring that the national competitions are led by qualified individuals.
“We want to create a structure where our athletes, coaches, and referees are all top-tier,” he said.
Commitment from NTF Leadership
In a personal show of leadership, Dunkwu announced that he would sponsor the Swim to the Future programme in Abuja. “We’re not just looking at the short term,” Dunkwu remarked. “We are building a system that can last for decades.”
A New Era for Nigerian Taekwondo
With a clear focus on youth development, grassroots initiatives, and long-term sustainability, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation is setting a strong foundation for the future of the sport in the country. The 2026 calendar presents a comprehensive plan to develop athletes, coaches, and the sport at all levels.
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