By Amaechi Agbo

The President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, Dr Abdul Ibrahim has stated that by winning a Commonwealth Championship gold at the ongoing 2021 International Weightlifting Federation, IWF Championship in Uzbekistan, Stella Peter Kingsley have done Nigeria proud.

The president who stated this shortly after the 19 years old won the gold in lifting a total of 168kg in the 49kg female category said her efforts justified why the federation, despite lack of fund, camped the lifters two months before the championship.

“I am deeply excited. I am really happy. This is a product of hard work and dedication. We camped the athletes for two months before the championship even when we do not have money and this is the reward

“I have no doubt in Stella’s ability just like her other lifters in Uzbekistan, they worked hard to be where they are now. So I am proud of her,” he said.

On his part, the coach of the lifters and Technical Director of the federation, Chris Nwadeih said the gold medal feat is very encouraging andNWF President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul receiving medal.from Kogi State director of Sports recently in Lokoja

will boost the entire team.

“The gold medal is encouraging. It’s a morale booster for the entire team”, he said.

He explained how Stella won gold in Commonwealth Championship and not in the IWF Championship.

“The IWF Championship and the Commonwealth Championship are twin competitions holding simultaneously.

“Commonwealth Championship is the main qualifier for the Commonwealth Games next year. The Commonwealth gold she won is different from the IWF Championship.

“Stella Kingsley won Commonwealth Championships Gold medal but she was placed 5th position at the IWF World Championships in the 49kg category with a lift of snatch 72kg, Clean & Jerk 96kg and total of 168 kg,” he said.

Two Nigerian lifters, Emmanuel Appah and Edidiong Umoafia will take to the podium on today as they compete in 61kg and 67kg categories for men in that order.