CROSS RIVER CELEBRATES AS DESIRE ILANG BASSEY WINS BEST FAIR PLAYER AWARD AT 5TH FCT UNITY TAEKWONDO CUP

Team Cross River has recorded another remarkable achievement on the national stage following an outstanding outing at the just concluded 5th FCT Unity Taekwondo Cup held in Abuja.

The team Cross River  received a major boost after one of its finest athletes, Desire Ilang Bassey, was honoured with the prestigious "Top Best Fair Player of the Year" award. The recognition was bestowed on her in appreciation of her exemplary conduct, discipline, respect for opponents, and commitment to the core values of Taekwondo throughout the competition.

The FCT Unity Taekwondo Cup, organized annually through the collaboration of Taekwondo stakeholders and security agencies including the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Navy, has become one of Nigeria's leading platforms for discovering and promoting talented athletes. The championship attracts top competitors from across the country and serves as a pathway to national and international opportunities.

Desire Ilang Bassey's award stands as a testament not only to his technical abilities but also to his outstanding character and sportsmanship. In a sport that values respect, integrity, self-control, and perseverance, his conduct throughout the tournament distinguished him among participants and earned him admiration from officials, coaches, and fellow athletes.

Adding to the celebration, Desire has also received a special invitation to the Korea Cultural Centre in Abuja for an important engagement scheduled for Monday. This invitation further highlights the impact of his achievement and underscores the growing recognition of his potential within the Taekwondo community.

The award has been warmly received by Team Cross River, whose coaches, officials, and supporters have described the honour as a proud moment for the state. They believe the recognition will inspire more young athletes to embrace the principles of fair play, discipline, and excellence both in sports and in life.

As Team Cross River continues to make strides in national competitions, the success of Desire Ilang Bassey serves as a shining example of what dedication, humility, and hard work can achieve. The team remains committed to developing athletes capable of excelling both on and off the mat while bringing honour to Cross River State and Nigeria.

Indeed, the 5th FCT Unity Taekwondo Cup will be remembered as a tournament where Cross River not only competed with distinction but also demonstrated the true spirit of sportsmanship through one of its brightest ambassadors, Desire Ilang Bassey.

Congratulations to Desire Ilang Bassey and Team Cross River on this outstanding achievement.

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O.
Media , Cross River State Sports Commission.