FG hails Nigerian junior gymnasts for clinching 23 medals at world championship

The federal government has commended the junior gymnasts for winning medals at the recent World Gymnastics Championship held in the Republic of Malta.

The gymnasts won 23 medals comprising 8 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze in different categories of the sport.

Ismaila Abubakar, permanent secretary of the ministry of sports and youth development, who hosted the athletes in his office in Abuja on Wednesday, commended the team members for their commitment to ensuring success at the event.

“As a ministry, we would put all necessary administrative machineries on the ground in order to provide Nigeria’s athletes with the opportunity to showcase their talents with a view to enabling them to compete favourably with their counterparts globally,” Abubakar said.

“I urge parents of the young gymnasts to ensure that their kids remain focused, especially in their educational career so as to provide them with a brighter opportunity even as they continue to excel in the sport.”

On his part, Anthony Asuquo, head coach of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria and leader of the team, said seven gymnasts represented the country at the Malta championship.

He said of the seven, Chiwendu Okpanku was rated as the third best in the world and first in the vault.

“While I commend the ministry for its efforts, I also wish to pledge the federation’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria records more podium appearances at future competitions,” Asuquo said.