Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission (ASDC), has commiserated with Imo State and family of Chukwuemeka Igboanugu who died during the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, Delta.
Onyedum expressed the condolences of Anambra in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Sunday.
NAN reports that the boxer received a devastating blow during a competition, which caused him bleeding in the nose, but returned to continue the fight after treatment.
Igboanugo, who finished the fight and lost to his opponent, collapsed after leaving the ring unaided.
Onyedum described the death as a huge loss and unquantifiable sacrifice for the sports industry.
“I must send my condolences to the Imo State Government and the family of the boxer who died in active sports while fighting in the ring during the festival.
“I pray to God to console his family and those he left behind.
“I also want to appeal to the Federal Government and government of Imo State to support the deceased family; government should not abandon them to their fate,” he said.
Onyedum said the performance of Team Anambra at the NSF, the first under the Chukwuma Administration and himself as chairman of the Commission was impressive.
He said there were areas for improvement and that he was going to embark on a rebuilding process through a comprehensive and grassroots based development programme.
I praise my athletes, those who were able to win medals and those who were not able to, what was more important was that they showed positive competitive spirit, we shall come out better next time,” he said.
NAN reports that Anambra, which sent a 249-man team, including 204 athletes and 45 officials to the festival, finished 14th on the final medals table with six gold, nine silver and 24 bronze medals.(NAN)
