Two Nigerian Taekwondo Grand Masters were decorated by the World Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation in an emotional ceremony at the ongoing Nigeria Taekwondo Federation National Open Trials in Abeokuta, with one of the honourees moved to tears as he received recognition after 54 years of service to the sport, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Grand Master Sunday Koffi Akani and Grand Master Dominic Asuquo Bassey were both decorated and recognised for attaining the prestigious 7th Dan rank during a ceremony held inside the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta, Ogun State, immediately after the scheduled Kukkiwon Dan Grading Test.
World Taekwondo Federation representative and President of the World Taekwondo Masters Union, Grand Master Kim Lee, described both honourees as symbols of dedication deserving of celebration.
“On behalf of the World Taekwondo Jidokwan family, we are honoured to decorate you today for the efforts you have put into the growth of Taekwondo from its early days until now. You both have laboured tirelessly, and this honour is a symbol that your hard work and sacrifices have not been in vain,” Kim Lee said.
A visibly emotional Akani said the recognition carried deep personal significance after decades of commitment to the martial art.
“You may not understand the reason behind my tears. It is because this honour is coming while I am still alive to receive it with my own hands after 54 years of hard work. By the grace of God, I still train today at Ikoyi Club in Lagos, and I remain grateful to everyone who has supported me, especially the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, for all the efforts being made,” he said.
The veteran Grand Master also used the occasion to counsel the younger generation against prioritising financial gain over dedication to the sport.
“I want to make it clear to the younger generation that money should not be their major target. They should work hard and help grow the sport because that dedication is what will eventually take them to the top,” Akani added.
The recognition ceremony was one of the highlights of the ongoing National Open Trials, which continues to showcase some of Nigeria’s finest Taekwondo talents.
