The inaugural National Open Para-Powerlifting Championship, hosted by Abia State, has ended in Umuahia, with Edo State topping the medals table.

A total of 51 medals were awarded to the victorious athletes, comprising 18 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze medals.

Edo State won six gold, two silver and three bronze medals, ahead of Enugu State, which won four gold medals.

Abia State, the host, secured two gold, two silver and two bronze medals to finish third on the table.

Delta State recorded two gold, two silver and one bronze medal, while Plateau State won one gold, three silver and three bronze medals to stay ahead of Oyo and Lagos states, which won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal each.

Kano State recorded one gold, one silver and one bronze medal, while Osun won one silver and one bronze medal.

Ogun and Rivers states won one silver medal each. Imo recorded two bronze medals, while Kwara and Katsina won one bronze medal each.

In his speech while declaring the national championship closed, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, commended Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, for the successful hosting of the event.

George, who was represented by the Secretary of the Abia State Sports Council, Jerry Basil Udeh, said the National Para-Powerlifting Championship created opportunities for athletes to compete, develop and excel at the national and international levels.