Lagos – The Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) on Thursday said that it had concluded arrangements to organise the National U-17 Judo Youth Championships as part of preparations for the 2014 Judo World Junior Championships.

Sulieman Damisa, a board member of the federation, said  in Lagos that the competition would hold at the Nigeria Civil Defence Game Village, Abuja, from Sept. 11 to Sept 13.

He said that the tournament would be aimed at selecting outstanding athletes to represent the country at annual world championships.

The 2014 Judo World Junior Championships will hold in the U.S. from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24.

“We are organising this competition to prepare our athletes for the upcoming World Judo Championships in the U.S., and other
international competitions ahead.

“ We will select the best ones who can do the country proud and guarantee medals for us. We promise not to disappoint the country.

“Early preparation prevents poor performance; we do not want to leave any stone unturned before we go for the championships,’’ he said.

Damisa, who is also the Chairman of the federation’s Finance Committee, added that federation would use the Abuja competition to honour Nigerians who had contributed to the growth of the sport in the country.

“We believe that such recognition will make them do more to enhance the fortune of the game in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Damisa called on sport-spirited individuals, private and public organisations to support the development of the sport.

Nigeria could not participate at the 2013 edition of the world championships in Slovenia due to financial constraints. (NAN)