By Our Correspondent
National News – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Nigerian athlete Rukayat Suleimon for winning gold at the World Sambo Cup held in Yerevan, Armenia on April 13, 2026.
The competition, organised by the International Sambo Federation, featured top athletes from multiple countries.
Suleimon, who competed in the women’s 54kg category, defeated opponents from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to secure the historic gold medal.
Sanwo-Olu described the victory as historic, noting that Suleimon has etched her name in global sporting history as the first female blind sambist to win gold at the tournament.
He praised her resilience, preparation, and determination, saying her success highlights Nigeria’s growing presence in international combat sports and serves as motivation for young girls across the country to pursue sporting excellence.
The win also underscores Lagos State’s investment in grassroots sports development and athlete support systems.
The World Sambo Cup, organised under the International Sambo Federation, continues to grow as a global combat sports platform, attracting athletes from Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Suleimon’s victory strengthens Nigeria’s reputation in martial arts and highlights the role of structured training programs in producing world-class athletes.
Officials say her achievement could encourage greater investment in para-sports and inclusive sporting opportunities across Lagos State and Nigeria.
Sports analysts also note that such international wins boost national morale and inspire participation at grassroots level, especially among young women and persons with disabilities seeking representation in competitive sports.
This landmark achievement not only elevates Nigeria’s status in international Sambo competitions but also reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to nurturing athletes who can compete and succeed on the world stage through sustained development and support systems.
The win marks a defining moment for inclusive sports development in Nigeria.
