Lagos state female boxer, Mistura Idowu claimed the first boxing gold medal for the state on Thursday at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
Idowu was already headed for bronze medal after the judges wrongly ruled that she lost her semi-final encounter in the 48kg category against her opponent, but a protest forced a rematch on Wednesday which she won and grabbed the ticket for the final.
Idowu eventually won her bout in the final to claim Lagos state first gold medal in boxing.
According to the female fighter, she was already in tears when the judges declared that she lost in the semi-final bout.
“I was not okay, I wanted to cry, I was not happy at all because I had promised my mum, my dad and everyone that supported me that I was going to come back with a gold medal, so, when I heard that I had lost, I was very sad,” she said.
Idowu’s joy knew no bound after being declared winner in the final bout on Thursday in Asaba.
“Now, I feel so happy and amazed, the real winner has taken the gold medal now. I can’t believe my journey, because in 2020, I went for the National Youth Games and I won a gold medal, now I have won in the sports festival and I am really happy. My next target is to make it to the National Trials,” the 16-year-old said.
Idowu’s proud father and coach, Monsuru Idowu, encouraged her to remain consistent.
“I am really happy and I thank God for this achievement. I hope for more in the future. The step forward now is to ensure she can be better than those who are ahead of her now,” he said.