By Amaechi Agbo

Stella Kingsley on Wednesday night etched Nigeria’s name on the global weightlifting map as she won her first gold medal at the ongoing IWF World Championship in Uzbekistan which also serves as 2022 Commonwealth Games qualifier in Birmingham, England next year.

The Commonwealth Championship also holds along with the International Weightlifting Federation, IWF World Championship which commenced on Tuesday

The 19-year old won Commonwealth Championships Gold medal and placed 5th position at the IWF World Championship in the 49kg women category with a lift of Snatch 72 kg, Clean & Jerk 96 kg on a Total of 168 kg.Stella Peter Kingsley

With the gold clinched, Stella have therefore qualified for next year’s Commonwealth Birmingham, England which will start on July 28 and end on August 8, 2022.

Jhili Dalabehera from India won silver while Winnifred Ntumi from Ghana won the Bronze.

Speaking one the feat, the Akwa Ibom State born lifter said she was happy with the feat adding that she wanted the gold from the beginning and worked hard to achieve it.

“I’m very much happy. I’m super grateful to God almighty

“You know, they say if you want something you won’t just sit at a place and expect miracle to happen. You have to stand up and work for what you want.

“I wanted the gold so badly, I trained for it and I’m grateful my effort wasn’t in vain,” she said.

She thanked Nigerians, her coaches and the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, President and board for their support.