Team Abia emerged overall winner in the Southeast zonal weightlifting championship, with a total of 10 medals consisting 8gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze, which took place at the Umuahia Township Stadium, at the weekend.
Imo state who finished second on the medal standings with 2 gold, 3silver and a bronze medal, with some of its athletes putting up some scintillating and outstanding performance, while third position went to Ebonyi State with 3 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Team Anambra and Enugu, could be able match the rhythm and expectations from the tournament as both team came fourth and fifth with 3 silver 1 bronze and 3 bronze medals respectively.
The tournament which is coordinated by the National Sports Commission, NSC, under the supervision of the Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Bernard Ezema, featured athletes, coaches, officials, director of sports and sports enthusiasts from the five eastern states.
The 4-day event which began on Wednesday, 23rd September, witnessed competition in the various categories, followed by medals presentation and rewards the winners.
Meanwhile, one of the discovered athlete, Divine Benard, has been awarded by the weightlifting federation zonal representative, Mr. Luke Ibeh, for his outstanding performance at the championship, even as the federation has reassured that exceptional athletes will be called to the national camp.
Similarly, the host, Abia State government, who has continue to express its unwavering commitment towards sports development in the state, also donated weightlifting equipments for the championship.
Speaking in telephone conversion from Umuahia, the NSC zonal coordinator, Benard Ezema, expressed delight in the organization and participation of the states, saying the program is a welcome development.
The zonal coordinator who is optimistic about the impact of the outing in the region, however acknowledged that the such kind of competition will produce the next generation of athletes.
He also used the opportunity to thank the host state as well as other participating states, while calling on the people in the helm of affairs and relevant stakeholders to develop sports especially at the grassroot.
The weightlifting event will feature in the forthcoming National Intermediate games, scheduled to hold in Lagos,
