Fourteen-year-old Sulaimon Kehinde has secured first medal of the 2019 National Youth Games for Team Lagos on Day One, Tuesday afternoon, inside the permanent site of University of Ilorin in Kwara State, north central Nigeria.
Sulaimon won a silver medal in -42kg in Judo event after brazing all odds to qualify for the final.
His journey to the medal zone saw Sulaimon beating Christian Emmanuel from Kogi State in the Round of 16 to qualify for the quarter final where he defeated Chidiebere Okoro from Anambra State. This earned him a ticket to the semi final, while his victory over Niger State’s Kasim Mohammed gave him the much needed final slot.
However, Sulaimon, who schools at Aje Comprehensive Junior High School, Yaba found a tough opposition in Edo State’s Joshua Aguozie in the final duel. An experienced Aguzie stopped the dream of the Lagos’ youngster from winning the gold medal as he finally settled for a silver medal in that event.
Sulaimon, nonetheless, won a record first medal of the NYG for Team Lagos.
“It’s painful losing the gold medal to Edo State because I had set my sight on coming first in this category right from my first fight in the Round of 16. Nonetheless, I am happy that my first participation in the Youth Games gave me a medal for Lagos.
“I have no regret whatsoever because the future is still bright for me in Judo. I am a rookie and newcomer in the sport compare to my opponent who I learnt had been in this for sometime.
“I look forward to continuing training after the Games so that I can sharpen my skills in the game as I dream of representing Lagos State in future competitions,” Sulaimon said.
He thanked the Lagos State Sports Commission for giving him the opportunity of coming for the championship in Ilorin and also commended his coaches for a job well done on him.
The Tuesday’s judo event was watched by the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh who was at the spectator stand throughout the fight until the finals.