Blessing Isaac Hails Governor Abdulrahman, Suggests Mini Gym Beside New International Squash Facility
Kwara State Squash Facilities Set to Attract National and International Tournaments
Isaac Blessing, a professional squash player, currently holds the number 3 ranking in Nigeria and stands at 223 in the world. Her recent statements highlight the significant advancements in squash facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment for the sport in West Africa.
“The squash court is so unique; it’s the first time we are having this type of court in the whole of West Africa,” Isaac noted with excitement. “I feel so surprised, I won’t lie, with the work and what I have seen so far.”
Isaac, who has travelled extensively for tournaments and training, including a recent training tour in Egypt, compared the new court in Kwara to international standards. “Our court here in Kwara is just like the club we train at over there, and I can say it is of international standard.”
Historically, Kwara State has been a nurturing ground for top squash players in Nigeria. “When we used to have two squash courts, 75% of the top players were either from Kwara or had passed through Kwara at some point in their careers,” Isaac explained. “The increase in the number of courts now will aid the number of champions Kwara will produce in the coming years.”
The expansion in facilities is not just about quantity but quality as well. Isaac emphasized the benefits of having more time for solo practice and training under better conditions. “The fact that you can have more time for solo activities due to the number of courts available now will improve me and other players.”
One of the key upgrades includes training under full air conditioning, a feature that addresses a significant challenge players face during tournaments. “When you train in a good court, you will be able to play well if you see a good court outside your state as well,” Isaac said. “One of the challenges we do face when we go for tournaments is playing under air conditioning, but now we will be training under full AC court, which means I can play good squash without pressure anywhere outside Kwara since I am used to the new facilities.”
Isaac is confident that the new facilities will enhance the production of top players. “The higher the court, the higher the production of players. Before this time, Kwara has always been the home of squash in Nigeria. Now that we have increased the number of facilities, we will produce more players that will rule Nigeria.”
These advancements also promise to attract more sponsors and national attention. “This is the biggest facility for squash in Nigeria, and I know the facility will invite and attract more sponsors to host national and PSA events in the coming years due to the number of courts available.”
Isaac expressed his gratitude towards the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for his efforts in elevating sports standards. “I would like to say a big thanks to the working Governor of Kwara State in the person of Mallam Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq for his tireless effort in ensuring that sports in Kwara State are up to standard. We appreciate him, and his tenure will ever be remembered in the history of sports in Kwara State.”
Looking ahead, Isaac suggests the addition of a mini gym beside the squash courts, equipped with necessary gym equipment, to further enhance training opportunities.
In conclusion, Isaac is optimistic about the future of squash in Kwara. “The court will attract promoters to bring tournaments down to Kwara State for hosting. It will attract tournaments and even training programs in years to come.”
With these new world-class facilities, Kwara State is set to become a major hub for squash in Nigeria and beyond.
