Para Powerlifting: Ezenwane Targets Medals In International Competitions In 2025

The President of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Charles Ezenwane has revealed that 2024 was a successful year for the sport, while also targeting more medals in international competitions in 2025.

Ezewane opined that the athletes performed impressively in international competitions in 2024 to position the sport as a powerful force in the world.

He said: “I would rate 2024 as a moderately successful year. Despite some challenges, we’ve had notable successes. Our athletes performed admirably on the international stage, securing medals and proving that they can compete with the best.

“We also hosted some successful national championships, which helped raise awareness about para-powerlifting in Nigeria.

“If I’m being honest, I think we could have invested more in grassroots development and talent identification. While we had success at the elite level, there’s so much untapped potential at the younger age groups that we need to reach. Expanding our reach to more states and regions should have been a priority.

“We set ambitious targets, winning a specific number of medals at international competitions and increasing our membership base. We achieved around 70-80% of our goals, which is progress, but there’s still a lot of work to do. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re committed to getting there.”

Ezewane also revealed that the federation will seek for more support and sponsorship next year to boost the development of the sport.

He said: “Our programs and activities rely heavily on external support, and we could have been more proactive in forging partnerships to strengthen our resources. That’s something we’ll focus on in the coming years.

“The support of sponsors is critical for the long-term growth of the Federation. We are determined to secure more backing to ensure that our athletes have the resources they need to succeed.

“Our expectations for 2025 are high, we are going to build on the progress we made in 2024 and aim for even greater success. Our target is to secure more medals at international competitions, particularly at the Paralympic Games, where we believe our athletes can truly shine.

“We’re committed to reaching more athletes and encouraging young people across the country to get involved in para-powerlifting. It’s all about building a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future.

Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo won gold in the women’s over 86kg powerlifting category, Bose Omolayo also secured a silver medal in the women’s 79kg Para-powerlifting category with a lift of 145kg.

Onyinyechi Mark shattered the Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category,lifting an incredible 145kg.

Para Powerlifting: Ezenwane Targets Medals In International Competitions In 2025 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper