Lagos Holds 3rd Strata Base Open Senior Karate Trials

No fewer than 36 athletes participated at the 2024 Lagos State Karate Association trials held at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

The trials featured both male and female karateists in Kata and Kumite which serves as an avenue to measure the level of their preparation for the upcoming Senior Strata Base Karate Championship and to select the best amongst in Rivers State and other subsequent tournaments.

According to Lagos State Karate Coach, Shoyoye Shola Sounaka said the essence of the trials is to form a formidable team and prepare karateists for the upcoming Senior Strata Base Karate Championship.

“We are preparing ourselves for for the strata base coming up in Rivers State. It is a new brand Team looking very fresh and promising, preparing for different Games”.

He said Lagos State is coming up with new faces (Boys and Girls) in the martial art, adding that it is the beginning of karate Team to meet up at the tournament in different categories.

Sounaka further stated that the trials have given more confidence to the athletes and a level playing field to showcase their skills in the art.

One of the participants, Tomiwa Ayomide Babarinde who grabbed a gold medal in Kumite -65kg category said it is the beginning of a new dawn. He said he wants to make the state proud, flying the county’s colours at the national and international competitions.

Ayomide stressed, “I trained very hard and my techniques were so good. My stance, basis and punches were what l worked on.

Another winner in the -67kg, Owoyemi Precious attributed her sterling performance as a beginner to her resilience, dedication and unwavering support from the coaches.

Donlyn Vehenna Divine +70kg, Okeowo Balikis +65kg, and Abbey Taiwo.A, are winners in their different weight categories.