By Aderonke Ojo
Organizers of the National Para Games in Abuja have explained why the gold medal won by Kwara’s Eniola Mariam Bolaji will not be added to the official records.
This is coming after a controversy from the decision of the body. Though Eniola Bolaji won a gold medal, it was not given official recognition, sparking protests from the Kwara State contingent.
She secured victory in the SL3 women’s singles para badminton category. According to the organizers, the rules stipulates that a minimum of five states must compete in an event for any medals won in it to be added to the official tally.
In the para badminton category, only three states; Abia, Kwara and Enugu participated, falling short of of the required number.
Medals will be presented to Mariam and other winners but the results would not count in her official records since the requirements were not met.
The Director of Sports, Kwara State, Hamidu Olowo expressed disappointment over the decision of the body, describing it as unfair. He further stated that the organizers should not have allowed the event to go on since it was all academic
