Bayelsa’s Abdulfathi wins Taekwondo gold at President’s Cup Open
Sanusi Abdulfathi of Bayelsa has won a gold medal at the National President’s Cup Open Taekwondo Championship.
While Abdulfathi won in the Fin-Fly male -58kg category, Faith Nwankwo of Edo won in the Fin-Fly female -49kg category.
The three-day championship, organised by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, came to a climax on Sunday.
Abdulfathi defeated Musa Muhammad of Kano State 2-0 in the final of the -58kg category to win gold, with Lawal Muhammad also of Kano State clinching the bronze medal.
In the women’s event, Nwankwo defeated Louisa Iho of Nasarawa State to win the gold medal, while Beauty Ditu of Lagos State finished in third place.
After the fight, Abdulfathi said he hoped to feature at the Olympics someday, while appealing to sponsors to help improve the game.
“I just want to thank God for the fight today. I really didn’t do anything spectacular but God helped me win.
“I was at the training camp in Kebbi a few weeks ago and maybe the training and exposure there gave me an edge over my competitors.
“I am just happy to have done my best and won.
“The 2024 Olympics is coming soon. I hope I can qualify and make it to the Games, it will be one of my biggest achievements,” Abdulfathi said.
On her part, Nwankwo was also excited to have clinched the gold medal and admitted that her fight was tough.
“It was not an easy fight for me because my opponent is taller than I am and she’s got skills as well.
“I just tried my best and was even surprised when I won.
“I am happy and hoping to improve my game and be part of the Nigerian contingent at the African Games next year,” she said.
A total of 192 athletes participated in the three-day event which began on Friday and ended on Sunday.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Lagos butchers seek land for Eko Ranches, plan pilot scheme
The Lagos State Butchers Association says it is seeking approval to begin a pilot ranching scheme at Oko-Oba Abattoir while awaiting land for Eko Ranches.
World
Five Nigerians appointed to UN information system consultation group
Five Nigerians have been appointed to the 92-member Multistakeholder Consultation Group of the United Nations Group on the Information Society.
States
Mbah inaugurates multibillion-naira pharmaceutical company in Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated Anchorage Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a multibillion-naira pharmaceutical company in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
Maiduguri
Shettima arrives in Maiduguri to inaugurate projects
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno, to inaugurate Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a hostel, and 104 staff housing units.
Abuja
Tinubu receives medical fellowship from WACP
Mr Tinubu said his government was committed to championing comprehensive health sector reforms to make healthcare delivery more accessible and affordable.
Economy
Women-led businesses targeted as DBN, AfDB sign $61 million financing agreement
The Development Bank of Nigeria has signed a $61 million gender-focused financing agreement with the African Development Bank to support women-led businesses.
