From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Two Players of the Benue State contingent who have performed exceedingly well at the ongoing 2024 Gateway Games in Ogun State have been selected separately for the National and International competitions at the ongoing 2024 Gateway festival.
The Director of Sports, Benue State Council, Anthony Torbunde who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen, said the two players selected are the captain of the Benue State football team Captain Anum Rejoice Seember and Kater Kpum who is a Tennis player.
According to him, the Football coordinator national sports commission have requested for details of the Benue football team Captain Anum for invitation for national trials while Kpum on the other hand was also selected to represent Benue and Nigeria at the forthcoming International Tennis Federation (ITF) in the United States.
Visibly elated Torbunde said, “I must confess that the performance of Team Benue at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival tagged, “Ogun 2024 Gateway Games has exceeded my expectations, all the athletes were in high spirit and they are well determined and conducted themselves well.
“Non of our athletes have been disqualified as it is with other states and I want to appreciate them for this.
“I can confidently tell you that our athletes have far exceeded my expectations, given the fact that we had a rowdy start but now that they have settled down, the medals have started coming and we are expecting more”
“I must confess that Benue got talented athletes and they are all in high spirits to win more medals for the State. Everybody is up and doing, the spirit is high and in every event that they go in, their performances are gradually and continually improving along the stages of the events and you can tell that from the experience of Kater Kpum who took on the greatest Nigeria’s Yusuf Aguru who competed for Ogun State and won two sets.”
He commended the Team Benue athletes for being of good behaviour and portraying the state in good light and prayed that they maintain the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline.
“I am very much aware that an athlete from Adamawa state was suspended from the games village for unruly conduct but for Team Benue, we have not received such reports of ungentlemanly behaviour. They are relating well, the coaches are coordinating well. Generally, our athletes are within the disciplinary confines”.
He expressed joy at the 11 medals won by the Team Benue athletes naming four silver and seven Bronze medals in Darts, Kung fu, weightlifting, kickboxing and para – athletics, the Director of Sports expressed high hopes of more medals coming in para – athletics, golf and kickboxing.
Speaking with newsmen, a kickboxer, Augustina Ime Linus who won Silver medal for the State said although she was coming for the festival to win gold she appreciates God for the silver medal. “But I am optimistic that next year will be better,” she added.
She also appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia, Commissioner for Youths Sports and Creativity Terkimbi Ikyange and the Director for Sports Anthony Torbunde for the opportunity given to her to participate in the Gateway Games, and appealed for one month camping of athletes for optimal performance.