Anyanacho begins quest in Taekwondo

Nigerian taekwondo star Elizabeth Anyanacho will commence her quest for Olympic glory in the women’s 67kg category on Friday, August 9, against China’s Song Jie in the round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Anyanacho, who has claimed gold medals at both the African Games and the Luxembourg Open held earlier this year, enters the competition with confidence, having built momentum from her recent successes in the pre-Olympic tournaments.This marks her second Olympic appearance, making history as the first Nigerian female taekwondo athlete to compete in two Olympic Games.

Her Chinese opponent, who is also 25- years -old, boasts a strong track record, including a bronze medal at the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships.

The encounter at the Grand Palais in Paris is expected to be highly competitive, as both fighters have demonstrated exceptional skills and determination in their careers.

Anyanacho’s journey to Paris has been marked by rigorous training and preparation, including an intensive camp in Germany, where she has been honing her techniques under the watchful eyes of her coach.

“The preparation for the Games has been intense, but I am ready to do my best in Paris,” Anyanacho told PUNCH Sports Extra ahead of the event.

Song Jie is known for her agility and tactical prowess, which she displayed in her recent international outings.

As the two athletes step onto the mat, the bout promises to be a test of endurance, strategy, and skill.

Anyanacho’s performance in this bout will be crucial not only for her personal aspirations but also for Nigeria’s chances of securing a medal in taekwondo at the Paris Games, with the country yet to win a medal in the competition since Beijing 2008 through Chika Chukwumerije, a bronze medal.

With the hopes of millions of Nigerians resting on her shoulders, Anyanacho is determined to make a significant impact and improve on her Tokyo 2020 performance, where she narrowly missed out on the medal rounds.

The outcome of her match against Jie could set the tone for what could be a historic campaign for the Nigerian taekwondoist in Paris 2024.