Enugu State’s medal hopes at the ongoing Gateway Games 2024 suffered a major setback on Sunday after para-athlete Emmanuel Ugonna was controversially stripped of a gold medal in the 2024 NSF discus throw event due to what officials described as a “raza technicality”.
Ugonna recorded the longest throw of the contest, beating his closest rival by 9.3 metres, but the gold was awarded to the second-placed athlete due to para-athletics scoring regulations that adjust results based on weight class.
“In para events, when an athlete in a higher weight category competes against a lighter opponent, they must beat the opponent by at least 13 metres to secure victory,” explained Enugu para-athletics coach, Chukwuemeka Okafor.
“Emmanuel didn’t meet that threshold, so despite having the best throw, he was denied gold.”
The controversial decision has left officials and athletes within Team Enugu frustrated, particularly given its impact on the overall medal tally.
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Despite the setback, there was positive news for the state on the administrative front as Enugu was officially confirmed as the host of the 2026 National Sports Festival, which has been tentatively scheduled for September next year.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, during a press conference in Abeokuta.
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Meanwhile, Enugu’s Ebuka Orji added a silver medal in the 100 metres para-athletics event, narrowly missing out on gold in a photo-finish. Orji, who will compete again in the 400 metres final, is part of a fresh medal push that also includes Destiny Agbo and Emmanuel Ugonna in the shot-put events.
As of Day, 7 of the Games, Enugu State has recorded eight silver medals, a marked improvement from its three-bronze haul at the Asaba 2023 edition.
