Solomon Amarakwu, Nigeria's 2002 Commonwealth Games power lifting gold medalist, has promised to set a new world record at the Beijing Paralympics, reported the News Agency of Nigeria.

Amarakwu said he would improve on his previous mark in Beijing.

"In Manchester, I set a new world record of 235kg to win gold at the Commonwealth Games and at the Athens 2004 Paralympics Games, I improved on it with another new world record of 240kg to win gold again. I have trained very hard and I am injury free, nothing other than gold is my target in Beijing," he said.

Amarakwu will compete in the men's 90kg category.

Eight power lifters including Amarakwu will represent Nigeria at the Games.

The seven others are Lucy Ejike (48kg), Patience Igbiti (60kg), Victoria Nneji (67.5kg), Kikelomo Ogunbamiwo (82kg) and Grace Alozie (+82.5kg) in the female category while Ruel Isiaku (48kg) and Obioma Alegakwue (100kg) are taking part in the male category.

The Paralympics Games open on Sept. 6 and end on Sept. 17 in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2008)