OUR lone para taekwondo athlete Solomon Jagiri will be heading to Australia today to compete for a spot at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
His coach, John Alick who will be accompanying Jagiri today confirmed this to Star Sports last night.
“Jagiri will be attending the Oceania qualifiers for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games set to take place in Gold Coast on the 29th of February,” he said.
Alick said he has confidence in his athlete that he will do his best based on the output he displayed during his preparation for the qualifier.
“I have confidence in Jagiri that he will do his best and hope that he can secure his spot for the Tokyo 2020.”
Alick also reiterated that his athlete has qualities which he displayed during their tour in Korea late last year as part of their preparation for the qualifiers.
Amongst the athletes from the Solomon Islands and Oceania countries who attended the training camp leading up to the qualifiers, Jagiri received the most consistent award.
“With this achievement, it also speaks for itself,” Alick expressed.
Earlier Jagiri also told Star Sports that the road to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games won’t be easy for him.
However, the most consistent award he received during their two weeks training camp in Seoul, Korea has motivated him to keep his head up and aim to make it past the qualifier in order for him to attend the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
“I did not expect to receive this top award amongst the best athletes from Oceania and those from Korea who attended the program,” he said.
“I was surprised when my name was announced to receive the most consistent award for the program.
“However, this award has motivated me to think seriously and commit myself in training as the road to Tokyo 2020 will not that easy.
“I’ve also realized that only sacrifice and commitment will help me to earn my spot for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
“I promise I will do my best at the qualifiers for the Tokyo Games,” he said.
Meanwhile, apart from the lone para-athlete, Star Sports understands that two Taekwondo athletes will also attend the qualifiers in Gold Coast set for this weekend.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
