Sports
Gold Medalist Targets 2020 Olympics Taekwondo Gold Medal
A 2015 African Games gold medalist in taekwondo, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, says her target is to win a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.
Otuadinma told newsmen in Abuja that, her participation in the Korean Taekwondo Open was part of her preparation for the Games.
She however said, she needed to attend more competitions to gain points that would make her qualify for the Olympics.
“My target is the 2020 Olympics. I know it is far, but it’s still very close. So, I need to start training and attending competitions to gather the needed points for the Olympics.
“All the competitions I have competed in now are part of my build-up for the 2020 Olympics.
“I am competing to see how I will perform. One thing is competing and gaining points,’’ the taekwondo athlete said.
Otuadinma said to be part of the taekwondo event at the Olympics, one must be among the first 15 on the world rankings. She said, the only way to achieve this was by attending many competitions.
Otuadinma, who won a silver medal at the just-concluded Korean Open, urged governments at all levels to support the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation to enable its athletes attend competitions.
“Nigeria has lots of good fighters but it lacks the sponsors to expose the athletes.
“The way you performed and the colour of medal you won depend on the level of support and encouragement you get.
“One thing Nigeria is lacking is sponsorship but we have good fighters.
“All we need is support from our governments to go out and win medals,’’ she said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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