Earlier today, at the Gymnasium Hall of the MKO Abiola Stadium, the Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championships concluded with a powerful message of commitment from Mallam Dikko, representing the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Speaking before an audience of athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, Dikko reaffirmed the NSC’s dedication to elevating weightlifting in Nigeria.
“We at the NSC will do our best to partner with you to succeed. If the Federations succeed, we succeed, so we will do all we can to make you succeed,” Dikko emphasized.
His remarks highlighted the strategic importance of weightlifting as a sport where Nigeria holds a competitive edge.
The event saw impressive performances from seasoned lifters and emerging talents, underscoring the potential for growth in the sport.
Dikko stressed the importance of grassroots development to sustain this momentum. “Grassroots development of this sport is key because we need regular supply of talents to replace ageing ones,” he stated, adding that the NSC would ensure robust support to nurture these talents.
Looking ahead, Dikko expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects on the global stage, saying, “By 2028 I hope to see some of these weightlifters doing exploits at the Olympics.” He also hinted at plans to expand the tournament, declaring, “Hopefully, we will make the next edition of this tournament much bigger.”
The championship served as both a celebration of athletic achievement and a rallying call for enhanced investment in sports development. As the crowd applauded Dikko’s vision, the message was clear: the future of Nigerian weightlifting shines bright.
