The Chairman local organising committee of the 21st national sports festival tagged Asaba 2022, Mr Charles Aniagwu has confirmed the death of one athlete at the ongoing sports festival in Asaba Delta state.
The athlete Chukwuemeka Igboanugo represented Imo State in the 81kg.
The boxer collapsed after he was hit by his opponent Amagor Favour from Anambra State during a fight and was attended to, rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.
Giving a breakdown of what transpired the LOC chairman said information at his disposal showed that the deceased was said to have high blood pressure and the medical personal stopped him from participating in the fight but returned after a while and was certified fit after which he he was allowed into the ring.
Mr Aniagwu debunked insinuations that the late boxer was not physically fit or having serious health issues prior to the match but insisted that if the family agrees for an autopsy,the LOC will not hesitate to do that.
He said the autopsy would also help in identifying the cause of his death and how to further prevent future occurrence
Mr Aniagwu who is also the Delta state commissioner for information said medical experts are available in all venues of the sports festival to run background check on athelets before they participate in games.
Journalists covering the festival alongside the chairman of the local organising committee and other top officials observed a minute silence for the late Imo state boxer Chukwuemeka Igboanugo.
Meanwhile, a fight at one of the rings was suspended for over four hours after the fight between Ondo and Oyo resulted in a crisis and exchange of words by officials.
The game’s referee was accused of partiality after declaring Oyo boxer winner while other spectators resisted the victory, stopped other fights and started throwing chairs into the ring.
By Isaac Afolabi.
