The inaugural South-East Zonal Open Weightlifting Championship, hosted by Abia State, has commenced, with the host state, Abia, and Imo State winning gold medals in different categories.
Abia has won four gold and two silver medals, Imo- two gold and one silver, Anambra- three silver medals, Ebonyi State- two silver medals, while Enugu State has won one bronze medal.
Results obtained by DAILY POST from the Abia State Sports Council showed that in the 49kg female category, Anthony Onyenaobi Chidiamara of Imo State won gold with a total lift of 72kg, while Friday Maribel of Ebonyi State and Sunday Rejoice of Abia State won silver and bronze, respectively, with lifts of 65kg and 62kg.
Nwokeleme Chikodi of Imo State won gold with a total lift of 92kg, ahead of Cynthia Lawrence of Abia State, who made a total lift of 70kg to win silver.
In the 65kg male category, Innocent Onyedikachi of Abia State won gold with a total lift of 240kg, beating Chukwuka Morka of Anambra State, who lifted 180kg, and Bassey Angelo of Enugu State, who lifted 125kg.
In the men’s 55kg category, Divine Emmanuel of Abia State won gold with a total lift of 155kg, beating Chioma Igwe of Anambra State, who lifted 140kg, and Nwokeleme Chukwuemeka of Imo State, who lifted 100kg.
Before the kick off of the championship, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, unveiled the newly acquired weightlifting equipment, including two complete weight sets, professional lifting boots, Swaner gear and magnesium chalk.
Declaring the championship open, Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the administration of Governor Alex Otti was determined to discover future champions for Abia, the South-East and Nigeria at large.
Abia, Imo sweep medals as South-East Open Weightlifting Championship begins