Honeyland U-16 Taekwondo Tourney: Organisers Apologise To Bodyweapon Club Over Controversial Decision

IKPO IGBINOBA 

Organisers of the Honeyland U-16 Taekwondo Tourney, Fitness and Kickers Taekwondo Academy have apologised to Bodyweapon Taekwondo Club over the controversial decision that almost marred the event last Saturday.

The crisis erupted at the competition when Raynald Braih of Bodyweapon had his victory in the gold fight awarded by the referee reversed by the corner judges.

Following the outrage that greeted the development and a formal protest by the chief instructor of Bodyweapon Club, Emmanuel Banjo, the organisers set up a committee to review the case.

In its verdict, the committee admitted there was human error and blamed an official for it.

The committee also apologised to Bodyweapon Club. 

Coach Banjo said he was satisfied with the decision of the organisers. 

According to him “The organisers have done the needful and we are very happy. 

“The problem was not caused by the organisers but by an official.”

The spokesman for the Bodyweapon Club, Mr. Jerome Braih said it was commendable that the organisers took the right steps in addressing the issue.

He however stressed “We didn’t protest because we were desperate for gold medals. 

“We protested because we wanted to ensure that the right taekwondo values of justice and fair play were communicated to the children and the larger society through the platform created by the championship”. 

Mr. Braih who is also the father of Raynald reiterated his appeal to the organisers to shut out officials with dubious agenda from the championship. 

A brainchild of Mr. Lucky Ogumelen, the Honeyland U-16 Kiddies Championship which has been on for eight years brings together over 500 kids from schools and clubs to Honeyland Schools in Ipaja, Lagos.