Newly enthroned champion in the women’s up to 45kg Loveth Abokin says she is “the most happiest person” after winning gold at the ongoing World Para Powerlifting Invitational Competition taking place in Lagos.

Abokin competing in her first ever international Para powerlifting event for Nigeria was unsuccessful in her first attempt at lifting 87kg but mustered great inner strength to lift 93kg in her second outing to clinch gold ahead of Ajiboye Rukayat and Onyebueke Chinonso.

The Edo state born graduate of Religious Management and Cultural Studies told busybuddiesng.com, that she is overjoyed at the opportunity of representing and winning gold for her country.

“Me winning gold today I can say I’m very happy, I’m the most happiest person because this is my first time of representing Nigeria and God has given me the great opportunity to win the gold to represent my country very well and also to make my country proud to make them know that their effort so far is not in vain and I thank God today that everything went perfect,” she said.

Abokin who won silver for Edo State at the 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja said although she felt nervous competing against athletes from different countries for the first time in her career, she was able to manage her nerves because “that is what makes you a winner”. Having fulfilled a long held “dream” of representing and winning a gold medal for her country, Abokin says the experience will motivate her to aspire to accomplish greater things for her country.

“It’s a motivation and I thank God that my dream has come to reality, so now I wish to continue to represent my country and make my country proud. I wish more gold,” she said.