15th March, 2013
After winning gold medal in the boxing event for Zone 2 at the recently concluded 10th Police Games in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, amateur lightwelter boxer, Constable Tunde Aderogba told ADEBOBOLA ALAWODE that his next target is to win gold for the country at the World Police and Fire Games, WPFG in Belfast, North Ireland in August this year.
How do you feel winning gold medal at the Police Games?
I must confess, I’m on cloud 9 because it wasn’t an easy task at all.
How many bouts did you fight on your way to the gold medal feat?
I fought four bouts. They were tough fights. I thank God that at the end of it all I was crowned as the National Police Lightwelter champion.
Did you ever envisage that you were going to win a gold medal at the tournament?
Actually I never thought I was even going to get to winning a medal, but I’m grateful to the Almighty God for rewarding my hardwork with this gold medal.
What is your assessment of the Police Games?
It was a keenly contested tournament because all the zones came to prove a point, but I’m glad that there is no way they can write the history of the 2013 Police Games without mentioning my name as a gold medalist.
What is your next target now that the Police Games is over?
The next thing on my agenda is the biennial World Police and Fire Games coming up in August. I will try my best possible to ensure that I win a gold medal for Nigeria. I think I have what it takes to defeat all my opponents to become champion of the world Police.
Do you think you can win a medal for the country?
I’m very sure of picking a medal for the country in Belfast provided the hosts ensure that we compete in a free and fair competition.
How prepared are you for the battle in Belfast?
Firstly, I want to thank the Inspector General of Police, IGP, MD Abubakar and the organisers of the Police Games for the exposure I got in Port Harcourt. I want to use this medium to implore them to begin preparation for the athletes that will represent the country the Belfast Games. If a training tour is possible, it will be good for the athletes.
When do you intend to become a professional?
For now I don’t have plans of turning pro, I just want to concentrate on the next World Police Games. That is my target for now. Even if I want to turn pro, it won’t be in Nigeria.
Why?
You and I know how professional boxing is being run in the country and I don’t want to be part of the problem.