IGP Open Weightlifting Championship debuts next month

The Nigeria Police is planning to reclaim its position in Nigerian sports, starting with the maiden Inspector General of Police (IGP) Open Weightlifting Championship. The championship is scheduled to hold from November 8 to 12, 2021 in Abuja.

Caretaker Committee Chairman, Nigeria Police Weightlifting Association, DSP Briggs Asigoboka said yesterday that efforts were being made to see how the Force could return to the forefront of Nigerian sports and restore its image.

“We used to have athletes such as Iseme Ikpoto, Chioma Ajunwa and Sunday Bada, among others in our team.

“That era is what the IGP has given us the marching order to restore, and we are planning to achieve it, starting with the IGP Open Weightlifting Championship in collaboration with the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Asigoboka said.

She disclosed that the championship is part of sporting activities IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, is also using to boost the morale of the force.

Asigoboka added: “With regular competitions, which this championship brings to the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation calendar, it will help them to keep fit and face the challenges ahead. 

“The competition will ensure that our people properly keep fit and can go for other national competitions without being intimidated.

“It will also serve as an avenue for us to look at prospects for competitions within the country and internationally.”

She is hopeful that the competition will be a yearly event, as it is part of the IGP’s vision, which is to bring sports to the front burner in the Nigerian Police Force. 

“I have been given the responsibility to see how we can move our different associations to that level,” she said. 

Asigoboka disclosed that the first edition will feature athletes from sister agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Customs, Fire Service and Road Safety, among others.

She added that nearby states like the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Nasarawa would also be invited to participate in the competition.

“We are looking forward to having them join us. It is the first edition but subsequently, we hope to get everybody involved,” she explained.