Tokyo Paralympics: Obiji Loveline picks silver

Nigeria’s Obiji Loveline on Monday won a silver medal in the +86kg at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games.

The event held at Tokyo International Forum saw Obiji lifting 147 kg to pick silver behind the gold medalist; Chinese Deng Xuemei who lifted 153kg.

The bronze medal went to Poland’s Zieba Marzena who lifted 140kg.

It would be recalled that Nigeria’s Orji Josephine currently holds the Paralympics and world record in this category. The record was set during the Rio 2016 Paralympics games.

In a chat with Sportingtribune after the event, the Chef de Mission, Mr Peter Nelson was full of praises for the two athletes that won medals and urged them to remain focused ahead of future international games that they should not be distracted assuring them of adequate support.

ALSO READ:  Tokyo Paralympics: Nigeria’s Folashade set new world record

“‘In as much as I want to commend the athletes who won medals today (Monday) for their bravery,I wish to appreciate those who didn’t win as well because they have tried their best. If they don’t win today, you can win tomorrow and they should not lose hope. We shall return home to start preparing for the next international event,” he said.

While speaking after the medal presentation ceremony Obiji described her silver medal as blessing and attributed it to hard work.

“I had aimed at picking gold but it turned out to be silver, I am still happy and fulfilled because it is easy competing at Olympics and win medal, so, I give glory to God and I hope to put in more effort so I can achieve the ultimate which is winning gold medal at the next Olympics,” she said.