Latifat dedicates Tokyo Paralympics gold medal to coach

The winner of Nigeria’s first gold medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Latifat Tijani has dedicated her ‘humble and hard-working’ coach.

Speaking to the press shortly after her victory, the Ogun State-born athlete said “I’m so happy and glad for what I just achieved. I promised to bring home the gold and I thank God for helping me to achieve my gold medal target.

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“I am dedicating this gold medal to my humble and hardworking coach who is always pushing and motivating me. He keeps me on my toes and makes me stay focused.”

Although her first lift of 105kg was disallowed, she came back strong with burning enthusiasm to write her name in style with a lift of 117kg in her fourth attempt to go close to the world record of 118kg.

Following her golden performance, Latifat’s home state has since joined millions of Nigerians in commending her for making the country proud.

The Ogun State Director of Sports, Mrs F.O.I Rotimi, in a statement issued on Thursday, expressed happiness over the feat attained by the indigene of the state.

“It is with great joy and happiness that I received the good news of the victory of Latifat Omolola Tijani at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games in Japan.

“On behalf of the entire management and staff of Ogun State Sports Council, I congratulate and felicitate with her, as she emerged the first Nigerian athlete to pick a medal for Nigeria in power-lifting at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.

“On the same note, I commend her coach, Mrs Oluwakemi Gbadebo Oyebola and wish them more victories in future tournaments,” she stated.