Tokyo Olympics: FG to reward gold medalists with $15,000 each

The Federal Government has announced a reward of $15,000, $10,000, $7,500 respectively for gold, silver, and bronze medalists at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

Making the announcement on Tuesday in Tokyo after Wrestler Blessing Oborodudu won Team Nigeria’s second medal of the Games, Director, Federation and Elite Athletes Department, FEAD of the Youth and Sports Development Ministry, Dr Simon Ebohdjaiye says the gesture is in appreciation of the impressive and historic performances put up by the athletes.

“Gold medalist will now be rewarded with 15,000 dollars, while silver and bronze medal winners will each get 10,000 dollars and 7,500 dollars respectively.

“The earlier award is 5,000 dollars for gold, 3,000 dollars for silver, and 2,000 dollars for bronze,” he said.

Oborodudu who made history as the first Nigerian wrestler to win an Olympic medal courtesy of the silver medal she won in the women’s 68kg freestyle will get $10,000.

Long jumper Ese Brume who officially won Nigeria’s first medal at the Games, a bronze will get $7,500 as a reward. Her medal is the first win in track and field since 2008 at the Beijing Olympics where Blessing Okagbare and the women’s 4x100m relay team won a silver medal each.

There are still three Nigerians left in the Wrestling event led by world number one in her category, Odunayo Adekuruoye. Also within the medal range is Chukwuebuka Enekwechi who will be competing in the men’s Shot Put final on Thursday.