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)
