The Bayelsa State Government has commended the organizers of the Habu Gumel National Open Championships, describing the event as a welcome development for the sport of weightlifting in Nigeria.
Igali , told pressmen on Tuesday at the event’s closing ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National stadium , Abuja.
The tournament, which took place in Abuja, brought together over 100 athletes from more than 20 states, providing a platform for them to compete and showcase their skills and compete for top honors.
Hon. Daniel Igali, the Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State, praised the president of the Weightlifting Federation, Abdul Ibrahim and the sponsors, Habu Gumel, for their efforts in promoting the sport.
According to Igali, the Habu Gumel National Open Championships is a great step towards developing weightlifting in Nigeria, and Bayelsa State is committed to supporting the growth of the sport.
To demonstrate its commitment, the Bayelsa State Government, Governor, Duoye Diri has invested heavily in weightlifting, with plans to acquire more sporting equipment and provide training for athletes and coaches.
Igali noted that weightlifting is a sport that can bring medals to the state and the country, and Bayelsa is committed to exploring every opportunity to develop the sport.
He also expressed his optimism about Team Bayelsa’s chances at the upcoming National Sports Festival, stating that the team is a work in progress and is expected to perform well in the weightlifting event.
The investment in weightlifting is part of Bayelsa State’s broader commitment to sports development.
The state has a strong reputation for producing talented athletes and has won numerous medals at national and international competitions.
With its investment in weightlifting, Bayelsa State is poised to become a major force in the sport, and the Habu Gumel National Open Championships is an important step towards achieving that goal.
The National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event in Nigeria, organized by the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission.
The event brings together athletes from the 36 states of Nigeria to compete in various sports.
The National Sports Festival is scheduled to take place in January 15th, 2025 in Ogun State . The event, tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” will feature a multi-sports competition.
The Engr. Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship which started on Sunday ended ( today) Tuesday in Abuja.
