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(L/R) Silver medallist Nigeria's Esther Nworgu, Gold medallist China's Zhe Cui and Bronze medallist Brazil's Lara Aparecida de Lima celebrate during the victory ceremony for the para powerlifting women's up to 41kg final event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at La Chapelle Arena in Paris on September 4, 2024. (Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP)
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has praised Esther Nworgu for securing Nigeria’s second medal, a silver in the women’s 41kg para-powerlifting category at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nworgu also set two new Paralympic records in the process as she lifted 118 kg in her final attempt, just one kilogramme shy of the gold medal, which was claimed by China’s Zhe Cui with a lift of 119 kg.
Nworgu’s earlier attempts of 106 kg and 112 kg had already positioned her as a strong contender, but it was her record-breaking 118 kg lift that secured her the silver medal.
“Congratulations, Esther Ogechi Nworgu, on your victory and securing Nigeria’s second medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games,” Senator Enoh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
“You set Paralympic records with your last two attempts, lifting 112 kg and 118 kg, respectively. With 118 kg, you earned a silver medal, and the gold win was 119 kg. We are so proud of you, champ.”
Nworgu’s silver medal means Nigeria continues her strong showing at the Paralympics, following Eniola Bolaji’s historic bronze in Para badminton earlier in the week. Bolaji became the first African to win a medal in badminton, defeating her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna, 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) in the women’s singles SL3 event.
The minister, who has been in Paris to support Team Nigeria, expressed his pride in the athletes’ achievements. He emphasised the importance of resilience and belief in their abilities, urging the entire team to continue striving for podium finishes.
“The ministry will continue to give Team Nigeria all the support it deserves to attain a podium finish. You all can do it for yourselves and for the country,” Enoh said. “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.”With Nworgu’s silver medal, Team Nigeria’s medal count at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is promising, with more events still to come.
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