Osun Athlete Powers Nigeria To The Final of International Canoeing Event in India

Osun Athlete Powers Nigeria To The Final of International Canoeing Event in India By Tajudeen Ahmad One of the revelations of the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State in Rowing, Canoeing and Kayak, Ayomide Bello has again proved her mettle at the ongoing 2019 International Open Canoeing Sprint competition holding in India by reaching the final of the senior category of the event. Ayomide, who has since been representing Nigeria at various continental and international competitions will therefore compete in the final of 200m and 500m events of the tournament in Bhopal, India on Sunday, 24th March, 2019. The State of Osun born teenager has not rested on her oars since she came into limelight in the 2017 National Youth Games where Osun contingent finished 9th with Ayomide bagging 3 gold medals in rowing and canoeing. She represented Nigeria at the 2018 All African Games in Algeria and African Youth Championship in Egypt where she won three gold medals each. This also qualified her for the 2018 World Youth Olympics where she finished 4th at the tournament largely dominated by Chinese and Americans. Speaking on this feat, the Director of Sports, Coaching and Training at the State of Osun Sports Council, Mr Ademola Daini attributed the success to the unwavering support from the State Government which led to the discovery of budding talents, that are widely spread across the state in different categories of sports. "We must always laud the state government's support for sports development and salute the hardwork of Ayomide and her coach, who have been bringing glory to the state and the country". "In fact, this does not come to us as a surprise because we know what she is capable of doing and by God's grace, we are expecting her to finish on a high note by bringing medals to Osun and Nigeria", added Mr Daini". Ayomide who represented Osun at last year's National Sports Festival in Abuja where she won 2 gold and 2 silver medals has been described as a national asset by the immediate past Commissioner for Sports, Social Protection and Special Needs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade after her heroic performance at the last year's African Youth Games in Algeria where she was rated the best athlete in rowing and canoeing by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the event.