Mixed Martial Arts tourney gets Akhimien’s praise

Photo: Female gold medalist Chinonye Attoh of Edo State, President Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation Henry George (m) and Technical Director of the Federation Victor Akhimien pose for a photograph after the championship.

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

Technical Director , Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Pharm. Shihan Victor Akhimien (VICAMEN) has commended participants at the just concluded training/ championship of the Federation held in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.

He explained that the programme was part of activities planned by the Federation to propagate the sport in the country in line with standards set by the world Mixed Martial Arts governing body known as International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) which is the official partner of UFC.

Nigerian pro-fighters; Kamoru Usman and Israel Adesanya are current champions under UFC.

According to him, the four day programme exposed officials and athletes to the new techniques of the sports and right to compete and officiate in amateur mixed martial arts
He stated that the Federation under the leadership of Ambassador Henry George is concentrating more on the amateur development of the sports so that the country’s athletes can understand the basics principles of the game before turning professional.
Akhimien, a 7th degree Karate Black Belt holder posited that the event in Asaba afforded the Federation the opportunity to discover some talented athletes who have been penciled down for further training ahead of the world championship in South Africa next month.
“We’re impressed with what we saw in Asaba and we are going to consolidate on the successes recorded in order to move the sports forward.
“Right now, plans have been concluded to hold another of such programme later this month in Ahoada, Rivers State as part of our grassroots initiative and as I speak to you, we have an online application set up by the world body on google play store for anyone who is interested in MMA.
” I want Nigerians to understand that the Federation is readily available to provide answers to any question and assist in any way they can anyone who wants to make a name for himself and the country in the sports”, he said.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria will do well at the upcoming World Championship in South Africa slated for 28th April and other such championships to be held in many countries of the world just as he called on corporate bodies to key into the vision of the Federation to raise worthy ambassadors for the country.
Over 140 participants took part in the programme which was certified by the world body. They were trained on basic techniques of the game, match officiating, point scoring and part of the body used for fights.

Course and belt grading certificates were also awarded to deserving athletes, coaches and referees in line with (IMMAF) standard.