NPF, MPC to host first powerlifting open championship in Lagos

[FILES] Powerlifting (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Nigerian Powerlifting Federation (NPF), in conjunction with Marslimit Powerlifting Club (MPC), has concluded plans to host its first Powerlifting Open Championship/Clinic.

The championship, scheduled to hold from May 17 to 18, 2024, at the National Stadium, Lagos’ Indoor Sport Hall, according to NPF, aims to showcase powerlifting as a lucrative and beneficial sport accessible to all Nigerians regardless of age, size or background.

The championship would be preceded by participants from across the country aged 14 to 45. It will also provide them with the training needed to compete on the international stage.

Speaking at the media unveiling of the project at the weekend, NPF’s Director General, Richard Kume Garrard, emphasised the untapped potential of powerlifting in the country.

He said that while football is the most popular sport in the country, powerlifting offers an inclusive alternative that has been building communities and fitness since the late 1990s.

According to him, the championship will feature competitive events across three key powerlifting disciplines, which are squatting, bench press, and deadlifting, with substantial cash prizes across several categories.

Also speaking on the championship, NPF Secretary General, Mr Ademola Aderoju,  highlighted the federation’s history and its international affiliations since joining the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) in 2001.

He said despite the success on international platforms, including a second-place finish at the African Championship in Egypt in 2008, the growth of powerlifting in Nigeria has been stifled by a lack of awareness and adequate sponsorship.

Earlier, MPC Chairman, Idowu Olumide,