Abia Tops Medal Table As South-East Weightlifting Championship Ends In Umuahia

Host state wins 8 gold; Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu share honours in maiden zonal open

Abia State has topped medals table at maiden edition of South East Zonal Open Weightlifting Championship which ended on September 25, 2026 at Indoor Sports Hall of Umuahia Township Stadium.

Abia finished with impressive haul of 8 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze, dominating male categories.

Imo State finished second with 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze, while Ebonyi State won 6 medals — 5 Silver and 1 Bronze, finishing third.

Anambra State won 4 medals — 3 Silver and 1 Bronze, with Enugu State won 3 Bronze medals through Bassey Angelo (65kg, 125kg).

Closing ceremony climaxed with presentation of medals to outstanding athletes by World Record Holder in Powerlifting and Commonwealth Champion Esther Nworgu, Abia State Director of Sports, Comr. Obioma George, South East Zonal Coordinator of National Sports Commission, Chief Bernard Ezema, Coach Sunday Omogbai and other dignitaries.

Speaking at closing, Abia Director of Sports, Comr. Obioma George, said he has seen improved performance in South East weightlifters and that Abia athletes performed creditably well.

“Sincerely speaking, I have seen improved performance in South East weightlifters. Abia athletes have performed creditably well. In Abia, when we tap talent, we groom and define their direction. Weightlifting is gradually picking up,” George said.

He said state has sound coaches and equipment and is focusing on grassroots discovery, adding that scouting system in Abia is strong.

On hosting South East, George said zonal coordinator of National Sports Commission and other states thanked Governor Alex Otti for salvaging Sports in South East, noting that through Abia, South East will stand tall.

The championship is part of efforts to discover and groom talents for national and international competitions.