The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has assured Nigerians of an impressive outing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which is billed to commence 10 days from now.
Dare gave the assurance during the unveiling of Team Nigeria kits and handing over of the athletes to the Nigerian Olympic committee at the State House Abuja on Monday.
Recall that the Sports Ministry had organized a two-month camping and national trials for the athletes in a concerted effort to ensure they are in good shape for the games.
The Minister, who expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his moral and financial support, reiterated the team’s commitment to excel in Tokyo.
All these would not have been possible without the support of Mr. President. I want to assure you that with the pedigree of the athletes who make up Team Nigeria and the level of preparations, Team Nigeria will not disappoint Nigerians at the Tokyo 2020 Games. All we need is the continuous support and prayers of Nigerians.”
He claimed that the Athletes selected have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, commitment and discipline and will do the country proud in the coming days.
“Let me assure you Mr. President Sir, that these Athletes will do Nigeria proud at the Olympics by representing Nigeria well. Many of them have told me personally about their determination to achieve podium success to make Nigeria proud. I have no reason to doubt their commitment. I surely wish them the best.”
At the Olympics, Team Nigeria will hoist the country’s flag in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Gymnastics, Rowing, Taekwondo, Table Tennis and Wrestling.
For the Paralympics, they will have representatives in the Para Power lifting, Para Athletics, Para Rowing and Para Table-Tennis.
In all, a total of 58 athletes will be competing for glory in the Olympic Games and 22 athletes for the Paralympics, respectively.
Team Nigeria will head straight to Kisarazu in Japan for another two weeks for the offshore final camping exercise before the commencement of the games, the minister confirmed,
