Int’l Para Powerlifting: Rasaq, Nnamdi, Ezuruike shine

By Akeem Lawal
2018 National Champion, Mufutau Rasaq beats World Record holder, Paul Kehinde to emerge champion of the men’s up to 65kg in Day 2 of the ongoing Lagos 2019 World Para Powerlifting Invitational Competition holding at the Lagos Oriental Hotels, Lekki - Epe Expy, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that Rasaq lifted 165, 175, 185 in his first, second and third attempts, while 2016 Rio Paralympic champion, Kehinde lifted 170 and 185 in his first and second attempts but failed to lift 200kg in his final attempt. Cote d'Iviore’s Herve Ano settled for bronze medal after lifting 158 and 164 in his first and second attempts.

2018 Commonwealth silver medallist, Paul Kehinde has been nursing an injury before the 2018 National Sports festival in Abuja.

Rasaq also claimed gold in the junior men’s 65kg. 

2016 Rio Paralympic champion, Rolland Ezuruike won gold medal ahead of Abimbola Osaro and Elvis Yapo in the men’s up to 54kg. Ezuruike lifted 160, 180, 190 in the first, second and third attempts. 

In the men’s up to 72kg, Innocent Nnamdi did not disappoint his fans as he lifted 200kg in his third attempt to win gold for Nigeria. Akeem Yusuf won  silver while Ghana’s Nii-Tetty Oku won Bronze.

In the Men’s 59kg, Olalekan Rufai won gold, while Dauda Ibrahim and Abass Kazeem settled for the silver and bronze medal respectively.  

Nigeria also dominated the Women's up to 61kg (Senior) with Ejike Lucy winning gold, Komo Maria won silver, while Oladele Temitope claim the bronze medal. 

Women's up to 67kg (Senior), saw Olaitan Ibrahim claiming goal, Virginia Azu won silver and Victoria Okenwa got the bronze medal. 

In the Women’s up to 73kg (Senior), Paulina Okpala, Kafia Almaruf and Oluwasola Olorunwa won gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.