Abia Hosts Maiden South-East Open Weightlifting Championship

UMUAHIA — Abia State has hosted the maiden edition of South-East Zonal Open Weightlifting Championship at Umuahia Township Stadium, with state government describing competition as part of efforts to discover, nurture and empower young sporting talents.

Declaring competition open, Governor Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the championship was not only about medals and trophies but also about discovering talents and giving young athletes a pathway to bigger opportunities.

He said weightlifting teaches discipline, courage, determination and mental strength, adding that qualities are equally important in preparing young people for life beyond sports.

“This championship is more than a sports competition; it is a deliberate investment in our young people, an opportunity to discover new talents and a platform to nurture athletes who can represent Abia State in South-East, in Nigeria and at international competitions,” Otti said.

The governor appreciated former elite weightlifting athlete who retired in 2016 and transitioned into coaching, High Chief Luke Ibe, for humanitarian gesture and for promising to sponsor young athlete Divine Samuel academically and support him through athletic career.

He urged athletes to give their best, respect rules and opponents, encouraging those who fail not to give up but return stronger.

Also speaking, South-East Zonal Coordinator, Hon. Bernard Ezemma, said championship was designed to strengthen collaboration among weightlifting stakeholders in South-East while creating regular platform where young athletes could compete, gain experience and be identified for elite competitions.

He said it is important in ensuring athletes from different states have opportunities to compete beyond states of origin and build experience required for national and international competitions.

Earlier, Chairman, National Weightlifting Referees Committee, High Chief Luke Ibe, expressed satisfaction with performances, stating championship had shown South-East has promising talents.

“Today is not only lifting weights, but we have seen zeal, determination and excellent performances. That’s what represents sports,” Ibe said.

Ibe commended Governor Otti for providing modern equipment and keeping young people engaged, noting new equipment could help produce more Abia athletes for national and international competitions.

He also praised Ministry of Sports and Youth Development for organising championship and expressed readiness to facilitate closer cooperation between national weightlifting leadership and state government.

He announced scholarship for young Abia athlete Divine Samuel, pledging to sponsor him academically and groom him as international professional athlete.

In vote of thanks, Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Comrade Obioma George, described weightlifting as one of sports where Abia has strong potential, thanking Governor Otti for turnaround of sports and for making youths have interest in sports, and commending Commissioner Ananaba as visionary commissioner.

The event brought together government officials, Weightlifting Association, state sports councils, coaches, technical officials and athletes.