By Hananeel Jackson
Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medalist Blessing Oborududu was on Wednesday received by Bayelsans after making the country proud in the Games in Japan.
Oborududu arrived in Yenagoa with Governor Douye Diri alongside other government officials from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to the Bayelsa State International Airport amidst huge celebrations.
The jubilant crowd received the silver medalist from the Bayelsa International Airport to the Peace Park in Yenagoa accompanied by officials of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Sports Council amid solidarity songs and dancing.
Addressing the crowd, the commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Mr. Daniel Igali, said he was elated by the feat achieved by the federation, saying that he was pleased with Oborududu’s determination.
He stated that he expected a gold medal from the wrestling team given the foundation put in place a decade ago which is gradually yeilding result.
Igali said preparation for the next Olympics commences with a championship in two weeks time.
Director of Sports, Bayelsa State sports council,Sir Braveman Wodi attributed the success recorded in Bayelsa in 2021 to the God factor and appointment of the technocrats in the ministry, stressing that the Governor’s continuous support for sports was key to the state success story.
Also, Silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu expressed gratitude to the people of the state for the warm reception, pointing out that winning a silver medal in Japan was dream come true for her.
Contrary to speculations on her possible retirement after the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan,she said she would participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics in France.
Blessing Oborududu would be formally received by the Bayelsa State government alongside Aiteo Cup champions Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens on a yet to be announced date.
