C’Wealth: Paralympic gold upgrade thrills Obichukwu

Nigerian powerlifter, Ikechukwu Obichukwu, is delighted after the silver medal he won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in the Para-powerlifting event was upgraded to gold, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Indian Para-powerlifter Sudhir won gold medal in the event after he lifted 208kg with his first attempt and bettered it to 212kg with his second.

However, his third attempt at 217kg was unsuccessful, but following an investigation from the Commonwealth Games Federation, Sudhir was found guilty of committing an anti-doping rule violation on July 21, after analysing the in-competition sample provided by the athlete.

The Tribunal passed the case to the International Paralympic Committee after disqualifying the Indian’s results.

The IPC and World Para Powerlifting said it “cannot provide further comments at this stage as this is an ongoing case.”

“This has been communicated to the relevant Commonwealth Games Associations who are liaising with the impacted athletes,” the CGF said in a statement.

“The CGF has a zero-tolerance policy to doping in sport.

“It seeks to maintain the integrity of the Commonwealth Games by running a comprehensive anti-doping programme that focuses equally on education, prevention and testing.”

Micky Yule of Scotland will receive silver and Australian Ben Wright will complete the last podium spot.

Speaking on his new feat, Obichukwu said,” All thanks and praise be to God. I’m happy that my medal was upgraded.

“I was surprised when I heard the news but it is really special and I do feel honoured.

“This recognition of my hard work and dedication really means a lot to me and everyone else around me too.

“I’ve got my sights set on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and am looking forward to pushing myself with that goal in mind.”