NEWS
Abia Dominates Maiden South-East Open Weightlifting Championship, Wins 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
Abia State has emerged the overall leading state at the maiden South-East Zonal Open Weightlifting Championship, after an impressive performance that saw its athletes claim eight gold medals, one silver and one bronze at the competition held in Umuahia.
The championship, which brought together weightlifters from the five South-East states, climaxed with a colourful closing ceremony on Thursday, September 25, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State.
Abia’s outstanding medal haul placed the host state ahead of the other participating states, with Imo State finishing with two gold medals, while Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu also recorded podium finishes across several weight categories.
Abia’s gold-medal-winning athletes included Innocent Onyedikachi, who emerged champion in the 65kg male category after recording a combined lift of 240kg.
Divine Emmanuel also secured gold in the 55kg category with a total lift of 155kg, while Vitalitis Eze claimed the 60kg category with 205kg.
Obinna Bright added another gold medal for the host state in the 70kg category after lifting a combined 255kg, while Emmanuel Stella emerged victorious in the 57kg female category with 162kg.
Marvellous Obionna won gold in the 75kg category with 234kg, Bernard Obinna Felix triumphed in the 85kg category with an impressive 295kg, while Madu Joseph completed Abia’s gold-medal haul by taking first place in the 110kg category with 261kg.
Abia’s athletes also secured two additional podium finishes, with Cynthia Lawrence winning silver in the 53kg female category after recording 70kg, while Sunday Rejoice claimed bronze in the 49kg female category with a total lift of 62kg.
Imo State’s two gold medals came through Anthony Onyenaobi Chidiamara, who won the 49kg female category with 72kg, and Nwokeleme Chikodi, who emerged champion in the 53kg female category with 92kg.
Anambra State also recorded notable performances, with Chukwuka Morka winning silver in the 65kg male category with 180kg. Chimobi Igwe secured silver in the 55kg category with 140kg, while Chidume Nwabuife won bronze in the 60kg category with 135kg.
In the 75kg category, Ebonyi State’s Chibuike Chukwu took silver with 232kg, while Enugu’s Ndubuisi Munachi Dominic secured bronze with 90kg.
The 85kg category saw Anambra’s Samson Chigozie win silver with 180kg, while Enugu’s Aguyi Michael Chirmere settled for bronze after lifting 177kg.
The 110kg category produced another remarkable contest, with Abia’s Madu Joseph taking first place with 261kg. Imo State’s Akosa Ebubech also recorded 261kg to finish second, while Ebonyi’s Saviour Timothy took bronze with 180kg.
Speaking at the championship, the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadinma Ananaba, represented by the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, congratulated the Abia athletes for their outstanding performances.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for the support provided to the state’s athletes and sports development efforts, noting that the backing had contributed to boosting the morale and performance of the competitors.
Describing the championship as the first of its kind in the South-East, Ananaba highlighted the improvement witnessed among athletes across the region, while particularly commending the performance of the Abia contingent.
“I have seen an improved performance in the southeast.
“So for Abia hosting the main edition, for Abia athletes, you can see with me that they have performed perfectly well in this particular championship.
“And I pray that from here they will go further.
“Because in this state, when we have the talent, we groom and define their direction,“ he stated.
The Commissioner urged the Abia athletes to build on their impressive showing, stressing that the state now has the facilities, coaching personnel and institutional support required to produce athletes capable of competing at higher levels.
“I will tell them (Abia athletes) to consolidate. Because for now in Abia, for instance, they have no reason not to perform. It is an excellent team that I will see.
“We have the sound coaches, we have the sound equipment.
“So what we are looking towards now is better athletes.
“But with what we have on ground, there are going to be better athletes tomorrow.
“A little boy, Divine, who won gold medal, is a boy we discovered during the second edition of Abia’s school games. Right here on the floor, he received a scholarship“ he stated.
The development was further described as an indication of the administration’s emphasis on identifying sporting talents from the grassroots and providing them with opportunities to develop their abilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, South-East Zone, Chief Bernard Ezema, said the Sports Commission was committed to identifying promising athletes at the grassroots and developing them for national and international competitions.
“So I believe that Abia state and Southeast States will not be an exception.
“So we are going to get all that have been planned for a national event.
“From there, we will go for international engagement,“ he said.
Ezema also commended Governor Otti’s efforts in sports development in Abia State, particularly the provision of weightlifting equipment to improve athletes’ preparation and performance.
“When I came in here and saw the roles of the weighlifting equipment donated by the state, to enhance performances of weightlifters in the zone,
“In fact, I don’t know how to thank him (Gov. Otti), but I know God will continue to bless him. His targets will never be missed,“ he said
The Assistant Coach of the Abia team, Mr. Chibuzor Onuoha, and the Head of Department, Combatant Games, Edith Anyanwu, also commended the Governor for his interest in sports development.
They expressed optimism that the weightlifting programme would extend beyond the zonal championship, with sustained investment in training, athlete development and preparation for future competitions.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of medals to outstanding athletes in recognition of their performances throughout the championship.
Medals were presented by World Record Holder in Powerlifting and Commonwealth Champion, Esther Nworgu; Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George; Coach Sunday Omogbai; Chief Bernard Ezema; and other dignitaries.
The maiden South-East Zonal Open Weightlifting Championship provided a competitive platform for athletes from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to showcase their strength and emerging talents.
For the host state, however, the eight-gold-medal performance provided a strong statement of its athletes’ competitiv
e depth and the growing emphasis on grassroots sports development in Abia.