Edokpayi Tessy, a Physical and Health Education Teacher at the Federal Girls College Abuloma, has shone in her debut at the ongoing Public Service Games in Rivers State. Representing Team Rivers, Tessy displayed incredible passion and skill, despite being a rookie to competitive badminton.

In an exclusive interview with Kristina Reports, Tessy shared her thoughts after a hard-fought 21-16, 21-10 quarter final victory over Water Resources.

“This is my first-ever tournament, my first-ever competition, so the tension is high,” she admitted. “Although I’m trying my best, and by the grace of God, I’ll get to the final.”

Tessy’s determination and resilience were evident throughout the match. When asked about her physical condition which saw her go to the floor, appearing burnt out, she replied, “I wasn’t really gassed out, I was tensed, but I will keep pushing to win.”

The quarter final win which saw her advance to the semi final, came on the heels of a dominant victory over Nigerian Postal Service(NIPOST), where she secured a quick straight-set win of 21-4, 21-2.

When asked about Family, Tessy shared that she has a ten-year-old son who also loves to play Badminton.

As a representative of Rivers State, Tessy feels a sense of pride and responsibility.

“I’m representing Rivers State, so definitely I want to come out the best,” she said. “It’s not easy to represent a state, so I will put in my best.”

In the semifinal tie against Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) where she lost 16-21, 21-16, 8-21, Tessy pushed herself as she fought from a set down to win the second and drag the match to a third setter – a feat no one has ever done against her opponent in the Public Service Games. Regardless of the outcome, she was full of gratitude in her post match interview with Kristina Reports.

” I’m happy with the Bronze medal because this is my first ever competition… For my first time, I did my best, I tried, I know I tried. “

Tessy’s playing style is characterized by her aggressive approach. “I love to play an aggressive game,” she said.

Despite her impressive performance at the Public Service Games, Tessy confessed that she does not train regularly, due to work commitments.

“I play for fun, and I don’t train regularly, just once a week because of work.”

The Physical and Health Education teacher and mother of one, yet a mother to many, will serve as motivation to her students and other individuals, to participate in sports, whether on a competitive level or not. A PHE teacher in theory and practice.