The technical director of Nigeria Para-powerlifting Federation (NPF), Prince Feyisetan Are has declared that medal hauls achieved by the country’s special athletes are due to the high level of determination and commitment they put into competing for their events.
Are made this known during a radio sports programme, Sports Machine on Brila FM monitored by sports247.ng in Lagos, in which he added that Nigeria will make a bolder impression in years to come.
Are was speaking against the backdrop of the country’s male and female powerlifters picking 15 medals on Day 1 of the ongoing International Para Powerlifting Championships in Lagos.
Much to Are’s admiration and delight, Nigeria won seven gold, five silver and three bronze medals in seven weight classes.
Among the lot, Esther Nworgu and Loveth Abokin both National Silver medalist, won gold medals in the women’s 41kg and 49kg respectively.
In the senior men’s 49kg, 2012 Paralympic champion, Yakub Adesokan won gold after lifting 160 and 180 in his first and third attempts.
Emmanuel Ugwu with 130kg and 150kg placed second while Punshak Istiganus was third place after lifting 100kg and 121kg in three attempts.
Punshak Istiganus won gold in the junior men’s 49kg, while Onyinyechi Mark won herself a gold medal in the junior women’s 55kg event.
Oluwatoyosi Osewa continued her fine form lifting 80kg, 95kg and 105kg to win gold in the women’s 50kg event, while Esther Oyema returned to winning ways lifting 105, 115 and 125 in the senior women’s 55kg.
Are said they all showed the zeal and grit Nigeria’s special athletes have been known to exhibit over the years.
“Our para-lifters are always ready to make the country proud. They are determined and they put in their best efforts always,” Are boasted.
