Anna 
Nigerian badminton sensation Obasanmi Olajumoke, better known as Jumong Obas, has shared her inspiring journey from initially dreaming of a medical career to becoming one of the country’s celebrated athletes.
A Childhood Passion Turned Career
Obasanmi’s journey in badminton started at the age of 11 while she was still in primary school. She recalls how a coach saw potential in her and encouraged her to pursue the sport. That moment turned her life in a new direction and set her on the path to becoming a professional athlete.
Inspired by a Badminton Icon
The athlete, hailing from Osun, draws motivation from Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei. Obasanmi admires the renowned player’s skill and dedication, hoping to follow in her footsteps as she progresses in her own career.
Parental Support & Career Shift
Initially, her parents envisioned a future where she would become a nurse. However, despite their initial concerns, they have been her strongest supporters as she shifted focus toward professional badminton. Their encouragement has played a vital role in her rise to prominence on the international stage.
A Call for More Investment in Badminton
Obasanmi has urged the Nigerian government to allocate more resources to badminton. She highlighted that insufficient funding remains a significant challenge for athletes in the sport, limiting their potential to reach greater achievements.
Impressive Career Achievements
Obasanmi Olajumoke’s dedication has earned her several accolades, including:
- 2018 All Africa Youth Tournament, Algeria – 2 bronze medals
- 2018 All Africa Games School Championships, Ghana – 2 gold & 1 bronze medal
- 2019 GSK Badminton Senior Tournament, Katsina – Bronze medal
- 2021 Edo Festival – Bronze medal
- 2022 Delta State Sports Festival – Bronze medal
- 2023 1st Lagos State Southwest Senior Championship – 1 silver & 1 bronze medal
- 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup, Egypt – Bronze medal
- 2024 2nd Lagos State Southwest Championship – 2 silver medals
- 2024 All Africa University Games (FASU) – 3 silver medals
From humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s top badminton players, Obasanmi’s story is a true reflection of perseverance, talent, and resilience. With continued support, she hopes to take her career to even greater heights on the global stage.
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