Sports Recorder | By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State’s judo contingent delivered a commendable performance at the just-concluded 4th EKU’s National Under-13, Under-17, and Senior Judo Championship held in Benin City, Edo State, clinching a total of eight medals across various weight categories and age brackets.
The state was represented by a team of thirteen judokas who competed fiercely against counterparts from across the federation. At the end of the championship, Akwa Ibom’s team secured one gold, four silver, and three bronze medals, including a silver in the mixed team category.
Medalists include:
Gold Medal:
Enku Ekuta – 63kg, Senior Women
Silver Medals:
Bridget Francis – 44kg, Junior Girls
Nsidebe Okon Edet – 56kg, Cadet Boys
Destiny Ekpo – 73kg, Senior Men
Mixed Team Event:
Ubongabasi Iniobong
Michael Jackson
Utibeima Monday
Victory Sunday
Bridget Francis
Abasieno Okon Edet
Bronze Medals:
Michael Jackson – 56kg, Cadet Boys
Victory Sunday – 57kg, Junior Girls
Ubongabasi Iniobong – 60kg, Junior Boys
The remaining members of the team—David Onyekachi, FearGod Utibe, Inemesit Bassey, and Immaculata Nelson—also put up spirited performances that contributed to the team’s overall impact at the tournament.
The state’s representation at the championship is seen as a testament to the rising profile of judo in Akwa Ibom and the determination of its young athletes to make their mark nationally. The result also reflects the ongoing efforts of the coaching crew and sports administrators to nurture talents and expose them to national competitions.
Observers have praised the performance as a step in the right direction, calling for increased investment in grassroots sports development to unlock the full potential of Akwa Ibom’s budding athletes.
