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By Our Correspondent

The impressive Performances of some athletes at the First Edition of the All Comers Athletics Meet in Akure over the weekend has been described by Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare as awesome and a good omen of what to expect at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Speaking in Abuja during the Admiral Festus Porbeni Boat Race, the Minister said “I’m so glad and excited that sporting activities have resumed after months of suspension due to Covid-19. Last year was really challenging not only for sports but the whole world. But we are glad that this phase is gradually   fading away. First we started with the Wrestling event in Bayelsa, The OSOM GAMES in Abuja, the Admiral Porbeni Boat race in Abuja as well as the First All Comers Athletics meet in Akure.

“The impressive performances of our athletes in all these sporting activities is an indication of what to expect at the Tokyo Olympics. Personal best times were recorded in Akure, we also witnessed great feats by the Rowers at Jabi lake in Abuja. These athletes are benchmarking their dominance to set the tone for what to expect at the Games. We have decided to pick only 11 sports where we have comparative advantage.

“We have set our targets for those sports. I already have 2 golds marked for Boat Race in my office.  The Ministry would lend all necessary support to the Federations to prepare our athletes for podium success.”

Mr Dare said the Ministry was impressed with the collaborative relationship between the Ministry, the organized private sector and individuals who are changing the old order by investing in sports.

In first edition of the All Comers Meet in Akure, Enoch Adegoke raced to a World Leading time in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.16sec to win the A final, ahead of Godson Brume who also returned a superb personal best (PB) of 10.27sec.

  In the Women event, Ese Awusa was the surprise winner, coming from the outer lane to run a PB of 14.35s (+1.5). Francis finished 2nd in 14.36sec & Stella Anyaleke 3rd in 14.53sec. Miracle Thompson finished 4th in 14.61sec.

 In the men’s 110m Hurdles, Abejoye Oyeniyi   won in a Season’s Best of 14.23s (+1.2). Samuel Osadolor finished 2nd in 14.31s & Ogieriakhi settled for 3rd place in 14.33s.

Imaobong Nse Uko commenced the season on a high note with a Season’s Best of 53.98s to run the fastest time in women’s 400m. The two Blessings, Ovwighoadjebre & Oladoye finished 2nd & 3rd in 55.32s and 55.38sec respectively.