By Amaechi Agbo
The President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Dr Ibrahim Abdul have felicitated with christians and stakeholders in the weightlifting sport on the occasion of Christmas and new year celebrations.
The President in Christmas message he signed, thanked the stakeholders for their support and wished them all the best in the coming year
“On behalf of the board, coaches, referees, athletes of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, I want to felicitate with all Christians and stakeholders in weightlifting family on the occasion of Christmas and new year celebrations.
“Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, is a unique event that defines humanity and establishes peace and brotherhood.
“To us in the weightlifting family, we congratulate all of you involved in this auspicious event and wish you all the best,” he said.
Dr Abdul recounted the journey and how the new board of the NWF was formed after September 30 election and enumerated the successes achieved within three months
The achievements hé recounted included participation in and winning of 9 medals at the 2021 International Weightlifting Federation, IWF Championship in Tashkent Uzbekistan early in December.
“You recall that on 30 September, 2021, you gave me and my board your votes to oversee the affairs of weightlifting in Nigeria. This mandate was consolidated by the ministry of youth and sports development, which oversees all sports in the country in October when the board of weightlifting and other federations were inaugurated.
“With the inauguration, we set in motion modalities in actualising and fulfilling our promises.
“Barely a month in office, exactly on the 23rd October, we called to camp, 7 lifters in preparations for the 2021 International Weightlifting Federation, IWF Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
“A delegate of 7 lifters, two coaches and a physio went to represent our beloved country and they came back with 9 medals – 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze.
“They won four gold medal in Commonwealth Championship – with automatic qualification for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Bermignham, England and a silver.
“They also consolidated in IWF Championship winning a silver and three bronze which formed the 9 medals they returned home with
“Prior to that, early in November, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the federation held the IGP Open Weightlifting Championship in Abuja which was a success also.”
He expressed optimism that the new year 2022 will be favourable to the federation as it will organise competitions and participate in continental and global championships
“The beginning have been exceptional because of your unflinching support.
“The year 2022 will meet us in good health of mind and body, as we look forward for more compettions and successes.
“Once again, happy Christmas and lifted year 2022,” he concluded.
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