The Nigerian Paralympic team has secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, with powerlifter Onyinyechi Mark delivering a remarkable performance.
On Friday morning, the 23-year-old triumphed in the women’s 61 kg powerlifting category, lifting an impressive 150 kg to claim victory.
Mark’s achievement saw her outlifting China’s Cui Jianjin, who took silver with a 140kg lift, and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who claimed bronze with a 130kg lift.
This gold medal follows Nigeria’s first medal of the tournament, won by Mariam Eniola Bolaji earlier in the week in the Para-Badminton women’s singles SL3 event.
News About Nigeria earlier reported that Bolaji, an athlete from Kwara State, secured bronze on Monday after defeating Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine 21-9, 21-9.
Bolaji’s journey to the podium was historic, as she became the first African to reach the semifinals in para-badminton at the Paralympics.
Despite losing in the semifinals to China’s Xiao Zuxian in two close sets, Bolaji’s perseverance paid off with a bronze medal.
Team Nigeria’s successes have elevated the country to the 60th position on the Paralympic medal table.
Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, praised Bolaji for her outstanding performance, commending her for making the nation proud.
He also urged other Nigerian athletes to continue to show resilience and aim for podium finishes.
Enoh, who was present in Paris to support the team, assured that the Ministry of Sports would continue to provide the necessary support for Team Nigeria to achieve success at the Paralympics.
“You all can do it for yourselves and for the country.
“As a ministry, we have made available what you need, make all of the sports-loving people of Nigeria proud of you, and fly the nation’s flag very high in Paris.
“I believe in your capacity. Having done all we should as a government, we are rooting for you. It is now over to you to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” he said.
