The maiden South-East Zonal Weightlifting Championship concluded in Umuahia, with host state Abia securing the top position on the final medals table. Abia State finished first with eight gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, outperforming other participating states in the competition.
Imo State placed second with two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal, while Anambra State recorded three silver and one bronze. Ebonyi State earned two silver and two bronze medals, and Enugu State finished at the bottom of the table with three bronze medals.
The tournament served as a platform to identify new talent for Abia and Nigeria, highlighting performances such as that of Divine Emmanuel. Emmanuel claimed a gold medal in the 55kg category with a 155kg lift, a result that marked a significant achievement for the young athlete.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Nwadinma Ananaba, praised the competing spirit of the athletes, saying that the competition exposed new stars.
Ananaba, who was represented at the event by the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, commended Governor Alex Otti for hosting the tournament and procuring modern weightlifting equipment for the athletes. The ceremony took place at the Indoor Hall of Umuahia Township Stadium.
Chief Bernard Ezema, Coordinator of the National Sports Commission for the South-East zone, stated that the region is reclaiming its position in the sporting sector. He noted that the Abia State government’s regular engagement of youths in sporting activities contributes to peace in the South-East by dissuading them from deviant activities.
Divine Emmanuel, the 55kg gold medalist, expressed his ambition to use his victory as a stepping stone. He stated that the medal would help him represent Abia and Nigeria at national and international sports events.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
