Over 400 martial arts experts will converge in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital to participate in the first edition of Governor Abdul-Fatah Ahmed Closed Karate Competition organized by the Kwara State Karate Association.

The tournament will hold between August 11th and 12th, 2016 at the Indoor Sports Hall of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

In a chat with sports writers in Ilorin, Chairman of the Karate Association in the state, Alhaji Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola said the tournament will give opportunity to both senior and junior Karatekas to express their prowess, adding that both male and female winners would be selected to represent the state at the forthcoming National Youth Games in Ilorin and the 19th National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Calabar later in the year.

Governor Abdul-Fatah Ahmed is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony slated for August 12.

The two-day tourney is expected to be bankrolled by the state government. Kwara State Karate Coach, Hakeem Lawal has urged all interested schools and clubs to register with the association as soon as possible.