Nigeria will be looking forward to more medals from the powerlifting events on the last day of the 2024 Paralympics after taking their haul in the event to three on Saturday, thanks to Bose Omolayo’s silver in the women’s 79 kg.
Omolayo, who had previously won gold in the same category at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, lifted an impressive 145 kg to secure the silver medal behind China’s Han Miayou, who broke the world record with a 154 kg lift, while the bronze medal went to Egypt’s Safaa Hassan, who lifted 139 kg.
In Paris, the country has won a gold and two silver in para-powerlifting, while there are also three other medals from para-athletics, para-table tennis, and para-badminton.
Powerlifting has been the country’s most successful event at the Games, boasting 24 gold medals, 16 silver medals, and 14 bronze medals before the commencement of the Paris 2024 Games.
They will hope to add more today when Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and Commonwealth Games champion Folashade Olwafemiayo and Loveline Obiji compete in the women’s +86kg and 86kg, respectively.
Obiji is also a two-time Paralympic medallist in the event, winning silver in Tokyo 2020 and gold in London 2016
Team Edo athletes are in high spirits and ready to do the state proud at the National Youth Games, which begin on September 9 at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The athletes have been in camp honing their skills ahead of the biennial event, which brings together the best youth athletes across the country.
Head coach of the Judo team, Lucky Esezobor, expressed confidence in the team, adding that the state government provided all they needed for training, assuring that they would win laurels at the Games.
Esezobor also acknowledged the support of the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Yussuf Alli, and his team towards the preparation of Team Edo for the Games, stressing that they were well motivated and ready to do well
said, “I am confident in the team ability to win laurels. The state government provided all that was needed for training, and I am sure that the team is motivated and ready to do well.
The Judo team captain, Emmanuel Abel, also expressed the team’s readiness for the Games, noting that the determination and commitment of the Edo Judo team will bring honours to the state.
The female cricket team captain, Glory Idiahi commended the coach for the comprehensive training.
She said the athletes were ready to give their all and win gold medals for the state. The male captain, Hosanna Omokhobhio, also expressed belief in the team’s ability to scoop medals, being in high spirits.
