Team Imo opened their medal account at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, thanks to the inspiring performance of rising weightlifter, Victory Iwuoha, in the Men’s 60kg category.
Iwuoha showcased determination and resilience on Day Two of the Games, claiming one silver and two bronze medals after a tense contest. He began with a 71kg lift in the snatch to secure his first bronze medal before bouncing back in the clean and jerk, where his 89kg effort earned him silver. His combined total of 160kg added another bronze medal to his tally, giving Imo State their breakthrough moment at the competition.
Speaking after his feat, a delighted Iwuoha expressed his joy at delivering the first medals for his state despite the pressure that came with his first lift.
“I am happy to win the first set of medals for my state,” he said.
“It wasn’t easy for me coming out to compete with all the tension, and this affected me in my first lift. But I was able to compose myself in the remaining lifts. I just wanted to make my state proud.”
The young lifter went on to dedicate his medals to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, as well as his coaches—Chief Coach/Secretary, Ugosimba Rita Azuoma, Coach Amaechi Uzoagba, High Chief Luke Ibeh who is the Vice Chairman of the Imo Weightlifting Association and the representative of South East in the NWF board and the Chairman, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation Referees, —and national athlete Solomon Onyenobi (“Agu”), who accompanied Team Imo to Asaba.
Looking ahead, Iwuoha promised to keep working hard to surpass this performance.
“I want to continue training hard to ensure I perform better than this next time,” he added.
With Iwuoha setting the tone, Team Imo will now look to build momentum in other events as the National Youth Games intensifies.
