One of Nigeria’s most successful judokas, Kelvin Idehen has taken up the challenge to address the technical deficit in the sport.

Sadly, Nigeria’s judo has been on a steady decline in the last few years.

In collaboration with two other celebrated judokas, the former African and Commonwealth champion is bankrolling a refresher course for coaches, referees and elite athletes.

The other judokas who are supporting the project are Mufu Yahaya and David Oseghale.

The trio based in the United States of America have empowered former national coaches, Edokpolor Ihaza, Dickson Egbowon and Ogunedo Obed to take the practitioners through the drill over one week in the ancient city of Benin.

The programme is scheduled to run from June 25 to June 30, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Speaking with Judoblitz in Lagos, the chief coordinator Ihaza said there was a lot for the participants to gain from the programme.

“Judo is a unique sport and to remain on top of the game, we need such refresher courses on a regular basis.

“There’s nothing new in the syllabus of the programme. What the participants would be taken in are the basics, which form the foundation of the sport”.

According to the programme, the participants will take lessons in the fundamental principles of judo (introduction to basic judo techniques) and classification, combination of techniques, instructional judo and officiating.

A grading exercise would round off the programme.

 Edokpolor thanked the sponsors of the programme for remembering their roots and making such a laudable event happen.

He remarked “As athletes, these noble sons of us represented Nigerian well, and after leaving competitive judo they have remained relevant. I am very grateful.”