By Isaiah Eka
Uyo – Sub-Lt. Sulaiman Bala of the Central Naval Command has emerged the overall winner in Taekwondo at the ongoing 11th Nigerian Navy Games, tagged, “Uyo 2017’’.
Bala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ultrafit Sport Complex, Uyo, on Tuesday after receiving his gold medal that he earned it through hard work and discipline.
Bala said his goal was the gold medal when he started training for the tournament last year.
The athlete said he was accomplished, adding that it was an honour for him to represent his command in the Games.
“It gives me the courage to also prepare for the upcoming Nigerian Armed Forces Games so that I can represent the Navy very well.
“I have prepared well for the tournament, I started my preparation since 2016 when it was announced that the Games will come up this month.
“I trained day and night to achieve this success,’’ Bala told NAN.
He also acknowledged the Flag Officer, Commanding Central Naval Command and the command’s sports officer for their support during his training.
NAN reports that other result at the ongoing event showed that Central Naval Command also won gold in scrabble doubles event, while Western Naval Command got silver and the bronze went to Naval Training Command.
In the football preliminaries played so far, Eastern Naval Command lost 1-3 to Central Naval Command.
The Naval Logistics Command also lost 0-1 to Western Naval Command.
The water sports of the competition, including swimming, rowing, sailing and boat maintenance were held from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9 in Lagos.
NAN also reports that the Games which started Feb. 26 with 17 sports in seven centres across Akwa Ibom and will be rounded off on March 4.