Isau Ogunkunle, Africa and Nigeria’s sole potential medallist in the table tennis event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games explained his decision to return to training immediately after his victory over Frenchman Maxime Thomas, which secured his spot in the Men’s Class 4 semifinals.
With a crucial match ahead on Saturday, September 7, Ogunkunle emphasised the importance of preparation.
This triumph against the world No. 6 not only earned Ogunkunle a place in the semifinals but also guaranteed him a singles medal, marking a significant achievement for himself and Nigeria.
However, the African champion remains focused on the ultimate goal.
“I will not be carried away by the victory in the quarterfinal because I am going to face the world No. 2 in the semifinal, and he plays a different style compared to others I have beaten. So, I need to train and be ready for him just like I did before every match in Paris. There is no doubt that it is going to be another Herculean task for me, but I am ready to shake the table here in Paris because this is the only way to prove to the world what we Nigerians are capable of, despite the exit of my compatriots in Paris,” Ogunkunle stated.
Ogunkunle’s journey has been remarkable, starting with a stunning upset over the reigning Paralympic champion, Turkey’s Abdullah Ozturk, with a 3-1 victory (6-11, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10) in the Round of 16. This was followed by his quarterfinal 3-1 (9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6) win against Maxime Thomas, a Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist.
Even before his semifinal match against South Korea’s Kim Young-gun, Ogunkunle had already secured Nigeria’s first singles Paralympic medal since the Sydney 2000 Games, where Tajudeen Agunbiade and Alabi Olufemi won gold and bronze medals respectively in the Class 9 Men’s Singles. Ogunkunle’s achievement is a source of immense pride for Nigeria, which has only won five medals in its Paralympic table tennis history. This historic medal not only ends a long drought but also reignites the nation’s legacy in Para table tennis.
According to the ITTF, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continue to deliver moments of inspiration and triumph, and Ogunkunle’s journey is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the Paralympic movement.