Edo Tops Medal Table As 1st Abia Open National Para-powerlifting Championship Ends in Umuahia

_Host Abia Finishes 3rd With 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Edo State emerged overall winners of the 1st Abia Open National Para-Powerlifting Championship after topping the final medal table with 6 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.

The championship, held in Umuahia in 2026, drew athletes from 14 states and served as a qualifier for the All-African Games.

Final Medal Table

*1. Edo* – 6 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze = 11

*2. Enugu* – 4 Gold = 4

*3. Abia* – 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze = 6

*4. Delta* – 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze = 5

*5. Plateau* – 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze = 7

*6. Oyo* – 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze = 4

*7. Lagos* – 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze = 4

*8. Kano* – 1 Gold, 1 Silver = 2

*9. Osun* – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze = 2

*10. Ogun* – 1 Silver = 1

*11. Rivers* – 1 Silver = 1

*12. Imo* – 2 Bronze = 2

*13. Kwara* – 1 Bronze = 1

*14. Katsina* – 1 Bronze = 1

*Total: 18 Gold, 17 Silver, 16 Bronze = 51 medals*

Host Abia State finished 3rd overall with 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. World record holder Onyinyechi Mark and team captain Ikechukwu Obichukwu led Abia’s charge with gold medal performances.

Enugu placed 2nd with 4 gold medals, while Delta came 4th with 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

Officials said the championship achieved its goal of talent identification and promotion of para sports in the South-East.

In his closing remarks on behalf of the State government, the Secretary of Abia State Sports Council, Jerry Basil Udeh thanked the organisers for a “hit-free and successful” tournament that showcased the state’s commitment to sports development.

He thanked participants and commended Governor Alex Otti for providing platforms for athletes to excel.

The Sports Council Secretary urged visitors to share positive stories about Abia when they return to their states, citing the administration’s infrastructural strides.

Udeh described it as an honor to host world champions and national athletes, noting that their presence would inspire younger competitors.

To medalists, he said: “For the champions that have been made in other states, while you fly the flag of Nigeria, wherever you go, please remember the place where you became champion for Nigeria. Don’t forget Abia State.”

He also encouraged upcoming athletes to remain dedicated.

“For the young ones that are here, I am praying that you become another athlete representative. I encourage you to train harder because success only comes from hard work.”

The Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation commended the Abia State Government for providing international-standard facilities and support for the maiden edition.

The event has been described as the first of its kind hosted by a South-East state government.