The maiden South-East Tennis Championship has ended successfully in Aba, with host state, Abia, emerging second overall, while Imo State clinched the championship title after an impressive performance at the competition held at the Aba Sports Club, Aba.
Abia state secured second position with three gold, six silver and three bronze medals, while Enugu State came third with two gold, two silver and six bronze medals and Imo State dominated the competition, finishing top of the medal table with seven gold, three silver and seven bronze medals.
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, was represented at the closing ceremony by the Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Comrade Obioma George.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Comrade George applauded the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his commitment to transforming the sports sector in the state.
He observed that the administration’s sustained investment in sports development, sponsorship of competitions and provision of platforms for athletes were laying a solid foundation for sporting growth and excellence.
George also praised Governor Otti’s foresight in positioning sports as a major instrument for youth development while attracting significant sporting events to the state.
In his remarks, the South-East Zonal Coordinator and representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Bernard Ezema, recognised the progress Abia State was making in sports development.
He expressed optimism that, given the level of sporting activities and initiatives being implemented in the state, Abia would be among the first states to benefit whenever fresh opportunities and interventions were introduced by the Commission.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Director of Sports, Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Obidinma Kenton; Director of Sports, Ebonyi State, Mr. Eworo David; Director of Sports, Imo State, Mrs. Justina Akpulor; Chairman of the Abia State Tennis Association, Chief Sampson Anagha, alongside other dignitaries, sports officials and stakeholders.
The successful hosting of the maiden championship further highlights Abia State’s growing capacity to attract and organise regional sporting events.