Munyal Kwairanga, a 13-year-old gymnast from Gombe, says her dream is to represent the country at the Olympics and win medals.

Miss Kwairanga said this in an interview in Gombe on Wednesday.

She said she would also be fulfilled by winning medals for the country at the Olympics or other international competitions.

Miss Kwairanga said despite winning laurels at the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta, her dream remained to fly Nigeria’s flag on the international stage.

According to her, competing at different competitions enhanced her skills and showcased her credentials to the world.

She said she was determined to work hard to achieve international glory for the country.

“Gymnastics is all I have ever dreamt of and it is really my goal to represent my country at the Olympics one day. Gymnastics has been my passion, and I have been into it since I was five, and I intend to use it to win medals for my country at the Olympics.

“My eyes are set on the Singaporean tournament and the 2028 summer Olympics. I am focused on enhancing my skills and representing Gombe state and my country with pride. I know that I still have a lot to learn and I will continue improving,” she said.

Miss Kwairanga said combining education with sports had not been easy, pointing out that her major challenge to realising her goal was funding.

“I appeal to Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, who has been doing well in the state, to support my ambition,” said Miss Kwairanga.

She urged young girls in the country, particularly in the North, to develop their passion for sports and take their education seriously. The gymnast said that sports remained one of the potent tools for achieving greatness.

Miss Kwairanga recently won two gold medals in the maiden edition of the North-East zonal gymnastics competition held in Bauchi in February.

(NAN)