Nigeria’s para-powerlifters yesterday night jetted out to Kazakhstan to take part in the World Para Powerlifting Championships tagged Astana 2019.
The contingent made up of officials and 15 athletes (male and female) in different categories will compete in the mandatory championships which also serves as part of qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Japan.
Speaking before the Nigerian contingent boarded their flight at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos Sunday evening, President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, Queen Uboh said the athletes have prepared well and are going to do Nigeria proud by winning gold medals at the championships.
“We are going to Astana to do Nigeria proud. That’s what we are known for. The athletes had been in camp for the past 3 weeks training intensively and they are in good spirit.
“Our target is to win ‘drug free’ gold medals. And as we are going with 15 athletes, Nigerians should expect 15 gold medals.
“We also want to thank all our sponsors, Peak Milk, Lagace Water and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the support giving to us,” said Oboh at the Departure Lounge.
Coach of the team, Are Feyisetan and team captain Lucy Ejike also spoke as regards their aspirations in the world championships.
“The athletes have trained well and are in good spirit. We want to do well in Astana to further help upgrade our rankings in the qualifiers ahead Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,” coach Feyisetan said.
“This championship is a mandatory one we must attend and we’ll be aiming for gold as well as set new world records,”.said Ejike who currently holds the world mark of the 142kg category she set at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
By Sulaiman Alao
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