The Director of Sports at the Benue State Sports Council (BSSC), Anthony Torbunde, has confessed that the performances of Team Benue athletes participating in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Ogun 2024 Gateway Games,” have exceeded his expectations.
Torbunde made this confession during a chat with Benue State Sports Writers Association (SWAN) members at the Babcock University camp of Benue contingents, Ilesha Remo, in Ogun State.
He said, “I can confidently tell you that our athletes have far exceeded my expectations, given the fact that we had a rocky start, but now that they have settled down, the medals have started coming.
“Everybody is up and doing, the spirit is high, and in every event they participate in, their performances gradually and continually improve along the stages of the events,” he added.
“You can tell that from the experience of Kater Kpum, who performed brilliantly when he took on Nigeria’s Yusuf Aguru, who competed for Ogun State.
“That demonstrates the degree of preparedness and level of progress these athletes have been displaying in each passing event,” Torbunde explained. “So, for those still in contention for medal positions, it is going to get better as they progress.”
The Director of Sports highlighted the number of medals won by Team Benue athletes, including four silver and seven bronze medals in darts, kung fu, weightlifting, kickboxing, and para-athletics. He stated, “We still have hopes of medals coming in para-athletics and golf. Our chances are still bright in kickboxing.”
Torbunde commended the Team Benue athletes for their good behavior and sportsmanship, saying, “I know that an athlete from Adamawa State was suspended from the games village for unruly conduct, but for Team Benue, we have not received such reports of ungentlemanly behavior. They are relating well, the coaches are coordinating well, and generally, our athletes are within the disciplinary confines.
“He encouraged the players to build self-confidence, saying, “As a player, I was never intimidated by the flashy attire of my opponents, which I describe as a psychological trick. Their appearance may seem impressive, but it doesn’t determine a win or loss. Self-determination and confidence are what players should have within themselves.”
The Director of Sports also charged the athletes to be patient and reciprocate the government’s kind gesture by performing well, saying, “I believe the governor will explore and bring a huge impact on them, engaging them in sports and improving their livelihood.”
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for sponsoring Team Benue despite financial challenges, and prayed that God would reward his commitment to sports development in the state.
“When we return, we will sing to his glory and present the medals to him, looking forward to a resounding reception,” Torbunde concluded.
