The karate event at the ongoing 15th Biennial Nigeria Police Games has surged into one of the most technically demanding and closely watched competitions at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, with Rita Edejor of Zone 5 clinching gold in the women’s individual kata category.

With her display of tactical discipline, with precision and control, Edejor’s performance stood out among the growing technical sophistication of martial arts training within the police sporting structure. 

In second position is a representative of the Force Headquarters, Zainab Abdulsalam, who delivered a composed routine that kept her firmly in medal contention throughout the contest.

Though she narrowly missed the top spot, Abdulsalam’s technical consistency ensured a strong podium finish and reinforced Headquarters’ continued competitiveness in combat sports.
Zone 14’s Dorcas Samuel secured third position after a steady outing.

While visibly disappointed at falling short of the gold medal round, officials said her placement among a large and competitive pool confirmed her status as one of the discipline’s emerging contenders.

Jumai Apata of Zone 7 completed the top four after a determined showing that was described as energetic, though slightly behind the medal trio in timing precision.

The wrestling events are giving spectators something to cheer about at the Games with standout performances from female athletes, highlighting the Nigeria Police’s growing depth in competitive sports and reinforcing the tournament’s role as a national talent-hunting platform.

Ayodele Esther, representing Zone 2, delivered a dominant showing to claim gold in the women’s 65kg category, finishing ahead of Chidera Chibueze of Zone 9, who secured silver. 

Seleakiare Alfred from Zone 16 placed third, while Blessing Ebare of Zone 5 finished fourth.

The competition, which began on Sunday, has also seen results in other events.

In the men’s Greco-Roman 97kg category, Force Headquarters reinforced its medal credentials as Shadrac Hunu clinched the gold medal. Muokokwu Anthony of Zone 13 finished in second position, while Nweze Kingsley from Zone 9 finished third, and Theman Luka of Zone 3 came fourth.

The 77kg Greco-Roman division saw Ikechukwu Robbinson of Zone 9 emerge champion, with Nwolisa Kingsley from Zone 13 taking second. Kelvin Nwose of Zone 5 secured third place, while Wilson Judge of Zone 3 finished fourth.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, AIG Fom-Bam Joseph, said the core objective of the Police Games is to identify and nurture athletes capable of representing Nigeria internationally. 

He emphasised that with thousands of participants, expanded sporting categories and representation from commands nationwide, the Games reflect the police institution’s broader investment in physical fitness, discipline and community engagement through sport.