Targets another world record in Dubai
By George Aluo
Paul Kehinde who won gold for Nigeria at the recently concluded Rio 2016 Paralympics says he has cut short his celebration, ostensibly to prepare for another golden outing at the Powerlifting World Championship early next year in Dubai.
The Lagos State born powerlifter told Daily Sunsports exclusively that he has since returned to the gym to start preparations for the Dubai outing billed for February 2017.
Kehinde who made his Paralympics debut in Rio said he is overwhelmed by the accolades that have trailed Team Nigeria’s “eight-star” performance in Rio and can not wait to do the country proud again.
“I was impressed with the kind of rousing reception we got when we returned home from Rio. Nigerians really appreciated what we did out there in Rio. I can’t wait to do the country proud again. As we speak, I have started to prepare for the World Championship in Dubai. My target is to win gold again for Nigeria there and break the world record again in that competition. I just hope the sports ministry will sponsor us to compete at the World Championship,” Kehinde said.
The 27-year old lifter was full of praise for his employers, Delta State Government, which he noted gave him job while he was still literally begging on the streets of Lagos with little or no support.
“I m on the pay roll of Delta State. I want to thank them for giving me job and making me a better athlete that can go out there and win laurels for Nigeria. I also want to give a pat on the back to my coach, Are Fayetan who horned my skills ahead of Rio 2016.”
Team Nigeria won eight gold, two silver and two bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, a feat that is the country’s best at the Games.