Abia State emerged overall champions of the maiden South-East Amateur Boxing Championship after an impressive performance at the competition held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The host state dominated the tournament, finishing atop the medals table with eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
Enugu State secured second place with four gold and four silver medals, while Imo State placed third after winning one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.
Anambra State finished fourth with one gold and two bronze medals, while Ebonyi State rounded off the standings in fifth place with two silver and three bronze medals.
Declaring the championship closed on Friday, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Jane Igwe, praised athletes, coaches and officials for their discipline, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
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He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to grassroots sports development, describing it as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing future boxing champions for Abia, the South-East and Nigeria.
According to him, the championship not only delivered exciting contests but also showcased talented boxers capable of representing Nigeria at major international competitions.
Earlier, the Director of Sports in Abia State, Obioma George, commended the athletes, coaches, referees, officials and participating states for ensuring the success of the inaugural championship.
He lauded the determination and competitive spirit displayed by the boxers and wished all participants a safe journey home.
Speaking after the tournament, a boxer Chidiebere Chukwuemeka from Abia State, who was named the championship’s Most Outstanding Boxer, expressed delight with his performance and revealed his ambition to represent Nigeria at major international events, including the Olympic Games.
