Abia State has emerged overall champions at the maiden edition of the South-East Amateur Boxing Championship, which concluded on Friday in Umuahia, after an impressive performance by its athletes.
The host state finished at the top of the medals table with eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Enugu State came second with four gold and four silver medals, while Imo State secured third place with one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.
Anambra State placed fourth with one gold and two bronze medals, while Ebonyi State finished fifth with two silver and three bronze medals.
Declaring the championship closed, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended the participating states for exhibiting exceptional sportsmanship and discipline throughout the competition.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Jane Igwe, the commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration to grassroots sports development as a means of discovering and nurturing future champions for Abia State, the South-East and Nigeria.
“We have not only witnessed exciting boxing contests but also the emergence of talents capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage,” he stated.
Earlier, the Director of Sports in Abia State, Mr. Obioma George, expressed appreciation to the athletes, coaches, referees, officials and participating states for contributing to the success of the inaugural championship.
He hailed the boxers for their resilience and competitive spirit and wished all participants a safe journey back to their various states.
Speaking after the competition, the tournament’s standout boxer, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia State, expressed delight over his performance, saying his ambition is to represent Nigeria at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
