By Amaechi Agbo
The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, (NWF) has announced dates for the Engr. Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship.
According to a release by the federation on Friday, the three-day championship named after the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr Habu Gumel will commence on Sunday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024.
The open championship which is open to all the 36 states in the federation including the Federal Capital Territory will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Each State is expected to present athletes in all the weightlifting categories in both male and female classics.
Athletes and officials are expected to arrive on Saturday ahead of the opening ceremony on Sunday. There will presentation of medals to winners in Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total on the final day on Tuesday
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on the open championship, the President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Dr Ibrahim Abdul (FCISM, OCP, CMC), said the championship which is open to all categories of lifters, is aimed at discovering new talents as well as preparing them for future engagements.
“It’s important that we start looking behind to pick and nurture talented lifters who will take over from the current ones. That is the essence of the national open championship. We want to discover new talents and incubate them for national glory. We have athletes right now who are in their prime, doing exceptionally well for the country but we felt that as a federation, there is the need for us to have a reservoir where we can nurture and groom the younger ones.
“The championship is open to all weightlifting associations in the 36 states and the FCT. We want everyone to participate. The recently concluded National Youth Games in Asaba was a stage for young athletes who displayed their potentials and the national open championship will give them added exposure as they continue to grow in the sport,” he said.
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