The Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi at the weekend hailed the efforts of Queen Obisesan who set a new national record in the women’s Hammer throw, grossing 63.79 metres dumping the former record of 61.75 metres.
The feat was achieved at the at the fourth leg of the SolidWorks/AFN Golden League Meet held at the Sports Complex of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Minister who doubles as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission worked in favour of Obisesan as she broke the national record twice.
Obisesan was not the only beneficiary of the friendly weather and cheering crowd as quite a number of the other athletes also recorded their season’s best performances at the meet.
The new record according to the Technical Director of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Navy Commodore Omatseye Neisiama, would only be ratified once the necessary dope test is conducted.
Speaking with journalists after her feat, Obisesan gave thanks to God for helping her thus far even as she stated that she hopes to do more in the days ahead.
“I am very happy to achieve this and I know it only means I should work harder to get better results”.
Also reeling with excitement over the new record was the Sports Minister Mallam Abdullahi who told reporters that the NSC will work closely with the AFN to chart the way forward.
“It’s really exciting for me especially in the year preceding the Commonwealth Games; that offers a very good prospect and I’m already discussing with the AFN board members on how can we build on all this.
“I am glad the national trials that will soon happen will provide a basis for the selection of athletes that will represent us at these upcoming competitions.
“They are already giving me medal figures but I will keep that to myself for now. But with what I have seen today especially the girls that did the Hammer; one of them set new national record, and the other two set new personal bests,
that is a very good prospect,’’ Abdullahi stated.
