Anyanacho wins bronze as Nigeria returns to World Taekwondo Championship Podium after 20 years
pannigeriannews
1 min read
Nigeria has returned to the World Taekwondo Championship podium for the first time in two decades, following a remarkable bronze medal win by Elizabeth Anyanacho in the women’s -67kg category at the ongoing championship in Wuxi, China.
Anyanacho, who is ranked Africa’s number one in her weight class, defeated Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two keenly contested rounds, 8–6 and 10–9, to secure a semi-final berth and ultimately clinch the bronze medal.
Pan-Nigerian News reports that the achievement marks Nigeria’s first medal at the global Taekwondo event in 20 years and comes amid renewed optimism in the nation’s sports sector, following the election of new sports federation leaders, including the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation President, Tayo Popoola.
Reacting to the feat, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Daniel, hailed Anyanacho’s performance, describing it as a testament to Nigeria’s resurgence in international sports.
“Elizabeth Anyanacho has reminded the world that Nigeria’s sporting spirit remains unbreakable.
“Her performance in China is not just a personal triumph but a national victory that reflects the results of our renewed focus on athlete development and sports federation reforms.
“This medal breaks a 20-year wait and signals a new era for Nigerian Taekwondo,” Olapade said.
Taekwondo now joins other sports – including cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, and swimming — where Nigerian athletes have recorded international success this year.
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