Abia emerges overall winner, as maiden South-East amateur boxing tournament ends in Umuahia

The maiden edition of the South-East Amateur Boxing Championship for the male and female categories ended on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State, with the host state emerging overall champions after winning eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

Enugu State finished second with four gold and four silver medals, while Imo State placed third with one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.

Anambra State came fourth with one gold and two bronze medals, while Ebonyi State managed two silver and three bronze medals.

Declaring the boxing championship closed, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the five participating states displayed a high level of sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Jane Igwe, said Governor Alex Otti’s administration is committed to developing grassroots sports to discover future champions for Abia, the South-East and Nigeria at large.

“We didn’t just witness boxing matches; we witnessed the future of Nigerian boxing unfolding before our very eyes,” the commissioner said.

Earlier in his speech, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, appreciated all the participating states, coaches, officials, referees and organisers for making the maiden edition a resounding success.

He commended the athletes for their determination and wished all delegates a safe journey back to their respective states.

The star of the tournament, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia State, said his aim is to represent Nigeria at international competitions, including the Olympic Games.