Nigerian badminton sensation Obasanmi Olajumoke, popularly known as Jumong Obas, shared her inspiring journey from dreaming of a medical career to becoming a celebrated athlete.
A Childhood Passion Turned Career
Obasanmi’s badminton journey began 13 years ago at the age of 11 while she was still in primary school. She recalled how a coach recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue the sport—a decision that changed her life.
Inspired by a Badminton Icon
The Osun-born athlete draws inspiration from Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, a player she deeply admires and hopes to emulate in her own career.
Parental Support & Career Shift
Although her parents initially hoped she would become a nurse, they have remained her biggest supporters as she pursued professional badminton. Their unwavering encouragement has been instrumental in her rise to the international stage.
A Call for More Investment in Badminton
Obasanmi urged the Nigerian government to allocate more resources to badminton, emphasizing that limited funding remains a major challenge for athletes in the sport.
Impressive Career Achievements
Over the years, Obasanmi has earned numerous accolades, including:
🏅 2018 All Africa Youth Tournament, Algeria – 2 bronze medals
🏅 2018 All Africa Games School Championships, Ghana – 2 gold & 1 bronze medal
🏅 2019 GSK Badminton Senior Tournament, Katsina – Bronze medal
🏅 2021 Edo Festival – Bronze medal
🏅 2022 Delta State Sports Festival – Bronze medal
🏅 2023 1st Lagos State Southwest Senior Championship – 1 silver & 1 bronze medal
🏅 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup, Egypt – Bronze medal
🏅 2024 2nd Lagos State Southwest Championship – 2 silver medals
🏅 2024 All Africa University Games (FASU) – 3 silver medals
From humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s top badminton players, Obasanmi Olajumoke’s story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and resilience. With the right support, she hopes to reach even greater heights on the global stage.
