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Anyanacho Olympic Camp buoyed by Sports Minister’s Visit

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Tokyo Olympics bound Elizabeth Anyanacho has been buoyed by a surprise visit paid by the Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, to her Olympic training camp.

The 22-year-old Elizabeth, who is the first Nigerian woman in 16 years to qualify for the Olympics in Taekwondo, is currently battling with six other national champions in a special Olympic fight camp set up to boost her preparations.

Other national champions present at the special Olympic training fight camp organised by Olympic medalist Chika Chukwumerije include African Champion, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, African bronze medalists Juliet Dennis alongside national athletes Helen Okoko, Judith Usifoh, Peter Itiku and Ifeoluwa Ajayi,

Mr Dare, who has been visiting Olympic athletes in various qualified sports, dropped in on the unsuspecting camp to observe the training and encourage the athletes.

Speaking to the athletes after the session, the youthful Minister expressed satisfaction at the high level of training observed and promised to support the preparations of Elizabeth towards the goal of a podium finish in Tokyo.

“I am happy with the intensity and level of training that I have seen here today. I want to assure Elizabeth that, despite the constraint of resources expressed in recent times, the sports ministry will extend all possible support to ensure she achieves her podium dream in Tokyo,” he said.

The Minister thanked the national champions that came for the special camp, urging them to present a formidable resistance to Elizabeth which will further aid her training.

He said, “I thank all the national champions here today. Your role is important. I want you to train hard and help Elizabeth prepare, so when she gets to Tokyo, she will be ready for her Olympic opponents.”

The Honourable Minister promised that support for all athletes will not end with the Tokyo Olympics.

“After the Olympics, sports and life will still go on. We will keep supporting all our athletes even after the Olympics is finished,” he assured.

Responding to the surprise visit and words of encouragement by Mr Dare, the first-timer Olympian Elizabeth Anyanacho thanked the Honourable Minister for the visit and presented souvenirs in appreciation.

“I thank the Honourable Minister for this surprise visit. It gives me a lot of confidence to know that the government and the people of Nigeria are behind my preparations. I will keep working hard with my technical crew to make a positive impact at the Tokyo Olympics,” she assured.

Elizabeth Anyanacho, who is the second ever Nigerian female to qualify in Taekwondo for the Olympics, will be competing at the Tokyo Olympics on 26th July, 2021 in the female -67kg category.

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Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

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Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

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