NSF: How I overcame serious malaria  to win gold — Bello

“I didn’t expect to win this tournament by all standards, not that I did not train or prepare well enough, but I have some nervy moments.

0

A Table Tennis male single gold medalist, Ahmed Bello said he overcame malaria to emerge winner at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, Delta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bello at the produced a 4-0 superlative performance against Wale Fagbamila of Ondo State in the finals.

Bello in an interview with NAN on Tuesday said  that the win came unexpected as he did not start off well due to many circumstances that surrounded him.

“I didn’t expect to win this tournament by all standards, not that I did not train or prepare well enough, but I have some nervy moments.

“At the start of the festival, I was down with malaria; I even collapsed at the door of the Indoor Sports hall of the Stadium before the match.

“After I was treated, I just feel that I should do my best and put in my last efforts which paid off at last.

“Winning the event means that I have a big task ahead of me because I will be at the centre of attraction now and next year,” he said.

Bello said that he would have to train harder and compete at International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) organised competitions starting from 2023.

Editor’s Picks  Mali edge Burkina Faso 2-1 in thrilling round of 16 clash