Not less than 187 athletes from 21 states are competing in the inaugural Abia State Open National Para-Powerlifting Championship, that started today, August 19th and will end on 23rd, 2026, at the Indoor Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The championship is being organised by the Abia State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Days earlier, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Para-Powerlifting Federation, Afolabi Olabisi, led a delegation of federation officials on a courtesy visit to the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwadinma Nwabilor Ananaba.
The delegation included board members Prince Paul Ngadiuba, James Allison and Coach Jude. They were received by the Commissioner alongside the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, and the Director of Finance in the ministry, Mrs. Ijeoma Kanu.
Speaking during the visit, Olabisi disclosed that 187 athletes representing 21 states had registered for the competition. She described the strong participation as an indication of the growing interest in para-powerlifting and the increasing role of Abia State in promoting adaptive sports.
The championship is expected to provide a platform for para-powerlifters from across the country to showcase their strength, talent and competitive abilities, while also promoting greater visibility and inclusion for athletes with disabilities.
The Abia State Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for athletes through sports development. He highlighted plans to establish a tax-free economic zone for the sale of sports equipment, as well as a proposed Sports Management Diploma programme at Ogbunaya Polytechnic.
According to the Commissioner, the proposed programme is intended to provide athletes and other sports stakeholders with professional and educational skills that can support them beyond their active competitive careers.
Olabisi commended Governor Otti and the Commissioner for their commitment to sports development, particularly the proposed Sports Management programme. She noted that many athletes face uncertainty as their competitive careers come to an end and stressed that educational and professional pathways within the sports sector could help athletes develop sustainable careers after retirement from active competition.
The five-day championship will feature competitive contests and inspiring performances from para-powerlifters representing states across Nigeria.
Beyond the competition itself, the event is expected to contribute to the promotion of disability inclusion, adaptive sports and opportunities for athletes with disabilities, while strengthening Abia State’s position as a host for national sporting events.
The organisers have encouraged Abians, sports enthusiasts and members of the public to attend the championship and support the participating athletes as Abia hosts a celebration of strength, determination, inclusion and sporting excellence.
