Elizabeth Anyanacho, Nigeria’s sole representative in Taekwondo at the just concluded Tokyo Olympics says her ambition is to be among the top six World Rankings before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Olympian was reacting to the latest Taekwondo World Ranking which saw her ranked 28th in the world after her debut participation at the G-20 ranked Tokyo Olympic Games.
The 22-year-old who lost in the round of 16 to former world champion and double Olympic medalist, Nur Tartar of Turkey, also saw her Olympic ranking improve to 42 in the world from the 65th position that it was prior to the Olympics.
“I am very happy with the new ranking because about two years ago, I was not even in the ranking system but now I am top 28 in the world.
“The important part of the ranking for me is to be top 6 in the world and Olympics ranking because that will enable me to qualify automatically for Paris 2024.
“Right now, I am 28 in the world and 42 in Olympic ranking, so I have to be top 30 in Olympic ranking this year and this will enhance my performance to get enough ranking for top 6 ahead of Paris,” she said.
Anyanacho stressed the need to attend and do well in major competitions in the next three years ahead of the next Olympics.
NAN reports that the improved Olympic ranking will be a booster to Anyanacho’s target to qualify automatically for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This is as qualification rules allocate automatic qualification slots to the top six Olympic-ranked athletes in the months leading up to the Olympics.
Chika Chukwumerije, member caretaker committee of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) said Anyanacho’s ability to improve her current ranking will be dependent on securing resources to attend major competitions.
In clinching the Olympic ticket, Anyanacho made history as she became the second ever female Olympic-bound taekwondoist for Nigeria, after Princess Dudu last achieved the feat at the Athens 2004 Olympics.