By Honorary Reporter Imane Bouhnika from Algeria
Photo = Aminat Idrees

A taekwondo champion in Nigeria has achieved an impressive feat at a national sports festival in her country while eight months pregnant. The festival was held in Edo State from April 2-15 last year, in 2021. 

Having trained in the martial art for 19 years, she participated in three poomsae (forms) events at the festival ― individual female, mixed category and female team ― and earned a gold medal.  

Below are excerpts from a video interview with her conducted on Jan. 1.

How did you get started in taekwondo?
My father introduced me to it because he was a professional taekwondo coach, so I started training when I was little. I later joined the national team.

What do you think are the benefits of taekwondo?
Taekwondo teaches self-defense, self-respect and self-discipline. I focus on discipline since it's a core value of taekwondo. When practicing it, you learn to handle yourself and build confidence in addition to boosting emotional, mental, and physical strength. Taekwondo also helps children and women stand up for themselves.

How was it competing in a tournament while eight months pregnant?
I received a lot of attention because of that but never planned it. I had registered for the national competition before my marriage, and due to COVID-19, the event was postponed several times. By the time the competition date was rescheduled, I was pregnant but chose not to give up.

I sought medical consultations to confirm that I could compete while pregnant and was told that it was permissible. I also received a lot of support from my husband, who attended my practices. And I could compete while pregnant because my body was used to years of training. 

During the competition, there were obviously people who questioned my capability and my decision to compete while pregnant, but I ignored them. I competed in poomsae and won a gold medal.

What would you say to people considering taking up taekwondo?
As long as you believe in yourself, you can do it. You'll surely face lots of doubters but just go for it. 

What are your goals in taekwondo?
My goals undoubtedly involve competing on the international level such as the Olympics, while also pursuing a master's degree in sports management.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.