The Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh has celebrated Team Nigeria’s Mariam Bolaji for winning the first Paralympic medal for the country and first ever African to win medal in Para Badminton in the Paralympic Games.
She beats Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine in one-sided third place match held today at La Chapelle Arena 21-9 in two sets and completed it with 2-0 to win the bronze.
Marian whose dream of winning gold was cut short by Chinese Xiao Zhuxian in the semi finals said she is dedicating the medal to her late coach Rafiu Oyebanji who died in a motor accident during her preparation for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Senator Owan Enoh eulogised her for not only writing the country’s name in the medal table but also for being the first African to win medal in Para Badminton.
“You have become the first African to win a medal in the Parabadminton in the Paralympic Games, well done Star Girl, thank you for doing it for your coach, yourself, and for your country. We are proud of you”. He said.
Meanwhile, the country’s hope for more meda haul is rekindled as Flora Ugwunwa qualifies to compete in the finals in the F54 Women’s Shotput later in the day.
Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi,
Director Information and PR.
2/9/2024
