Ruqqayah Mustapha has expressed delight in winning a gold medal in the shotput event for the University of Ilorin at the recently concluded 11th All Africa Universities Games (FASU) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mustapha told www.aclsports.com that bagging a gold medal implies her sacrifices, and dedication have paid off.
She revealed that her coaches and teammates were helpful during her preparations for the FASU Games.
Mustapha said, “I am thrilled and honoured to win a gold medal in the women’s shotput event. I have an incredible feeling, and doing it for my university makes it even more special. It’s a dream come true. All the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication have paid off. I am proud to represent my university and to do it on my birthday.
“I was confident in my training; I knew the competition would be fierce. I focused on my preparation, trusting my coaches and teammates. As the Games approached, I felt a surge of determination and belief in myself. Still, winning the gold was beyond my wildest expectations – it’s an amazing feeling. I wanted to make it a double with another gold in the Discus event but it could not happen.
The young and promising field athlete explained that merging academics and sports has been challenging.
The U23 athlete revealed that her coaches and lecturers have been supportive in ensuring she has a balanced student.
She said, “It’s not easy, but time management is key. I prioritize my schedule, balancing classes, study sessions, and training. My coaches and professors have been supportive, helping me adjust when needed. I’ve also learned to stay focused, setting short-term goals for academics and athletics. It’s challenging, but the reward is worth it – representing my university and achieving academic success.
Asked what next after the FASU Games, Mustapha said, “I am shifting focus to the National Sports Festival. I’ll intensify my training, fine-tuning my techniques, and strategizing with coaches”.
Ruqqayah Mustapha won the Girls’ U-20 Shot put and Discus titles at #MTNCHAMPSIbadan in September 2023.
