Abia, Imo sweep medals as South-East Open Weightlifting Championship begins

The inaugural South-East Zonal Open Weightlifting Championship kicked off in Abia State, with both Abia and Imo State emerging victorious in various categories. Abia State claimed four gold medals and two silver medals, while Imo State secured two gold medals and one silver. Anambra State achieved three silver medals, Ebonyi State earned two silver medals, and Enugu State took home one bronze medal.

According to the Abia State Sports Council, in the 49kg female category, Anthony Onyenaobi Chidiamara from Imo State claimed gold with a total lift of 72kg, while Ebonyi's Friday Maribel and Abia's Sunday Rejoice secured silver and bronze, respectively. Nwokeleme Chikodi from Imo State triumphed in the 92kg female category, followed by Cynthia Lawrence of Abia State in the silver position.

In the 65kg male category, Abia's Innocent Onyedikachi claimed gold with a total lift of 240kg, surpassing Chukwuka Morka of Anambra State and Bassey Angelo of Enugu State. Divine Emmanuel of Abia State won gold in the men’s 55kg category with a total lift of 155kg, outpacing Chioma Igwe of Anambra State and Nwokeleme Chukwuemeka of Imo State.

Prior to the event, Abia State's Director of Sports, Obioma George, introduced new weightlifting equipment, including two full weight sets, professional lifting boots, Swaner gear, and magnesium chalk. Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, declared the championship open, expressing the administration's commitment to discovering future champions for Abia, the South-East, and Nigeria.