Despite failing to put up an impressive performance at the 2012 London Olympic, Chika Chukwumerije has been described as the face of Nigerian taekwondo and deserves to be emulated.

The accolade was poured on the 2008 Beijing Olympic silver medalist by the minister of sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi shortly after he (minister) was honoured with an award by the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists at the venue of the award ceremony in Abuja, the minister said since he assumed duties as the minister of sports, Chukwumerije has remained the face of Nigerian taekwondo.

He noted that everything about taekwondo in Nigeria revolves round the athlete who has done so much to place Nigeria on the world map in the sport.

"Since I became the minister of sports, taekwondo has been all about Chika Chukwumerije. I am very proud of the young man and what he has been doing. He is not just the face of Nigerian taekwondo at the moment but he has been using his foundation to encourage younger people to play taekwondo.

" He is also strengthening the relationship between Nigeria Taekwondo Federation and the Korean Embassy.

" So this award will encourage me to pay more attention to taekwondo".

The minister therefore promised to feature the sport among the six sports that have been pencilled down for more attention from the sports commission in next year's budget.