FeaturesTokyo 2020: Toriola Fails To Make History

Tokyo 2020: Toriola Fails To Make History

spot_img

By Akinwale Kasali

Access Bank Advert

It could have been a dream year and a dream come true for Segun Toriola, Nigeria’s Table Tennis legend who had previously attended Seven Olympics games.

Toriola’s dream of featuring in his eight Olympics games was halted by Egypt’s duo of Omar Assar and Dina Meshref, after Toriola and Olufunke Oshonaike lost in the final of mixed doubles finals of the Africa Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Tunis, Tunisia.

UBA

Toriola was aiming to set a record of becoming the first African, and table tennis world, to attend eight Olympic Games.

Sadly, his ambition came to an end with the defeat by the Egyptians in the pulsating final.

READ ALSO:  Reno Omokri To Atiku: "You Lost The 2023 Presidential Election, Nobody Rigged You Out

There is, however, a consolation for Oshonaike who had earlier booked her place in Tokyo 2020 as the first African female athlete to attend seven Olympic Games.

From the blast of the whistle for the final of the mixed doubles, the tie was swinging in favour of the Egyptians who claimed Africa’s sole slot in the mixed doubles with 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 and 11-2.

Toriola couldn’t hide his disappointment, describing it as a disappointing outing, but was grateful to God for the opportunity to feature in seven Olympic Games.

“I wanted to try to make it to my eight Olympic Games, unfortunately I could not but in all I am very happy with my career and to become the first African to attend seven Olympic Games.

READ ALSO:  Countdown To Guber Poll: Gov Adeleke Rallies Osun Indigenes Resident In Ondo To Vote For PDP

“I hope upcoming players will take it from here. Olympic Games for me has been a great experience and I hope other players will take it up from here,” Toriola said.

Egyptian duo of Meshref and Assar lauded the records set by Toriola and Oshonaike, describing them as legends of the sport and mentor to younger generation of Ping Pong players.


Discover more from The Source

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Share your story or advertise with us: WhatsApp: +2348174884527, Email: [email protected]

Your Comment Here

More articles

Discover more from The Source

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading