ZARIA ATHLETICS GRAND PRIX: More Results Emerges As Athletes Go Into Finals

The former president of National , Nigeria association of technical officials (NATO) Mr Goodluck Akpodeh has praised the organizers of the Zaria Athletics Grand Prix meet, reeling out so many advantages to the athlete and the development of athletics.

Speaking at the Ahmadu Bello University sport complex, the venue of the Grand Prix, Mr Goodluck said that, "considering the fact that it the first these year, it gives opportunity to the athlete to check their performance and fitness." 

The organisers tried by providing  accomodation, feeding and cash prize for the first, second and third place athletes in the different events.

Reacting to comments by people about the grand Prix not being a point scoring event for the athlete, he said the prix is not a league but it serves as an opportunity for the athlete to make money and take care of themselves in terms of kits and other things to do with their up keep.

According to him, most of the athletes are not properly catered for, especially those not employed by the state government.

Buttressing Mr Goodluck's advantages of the Zaria Athletics Grand Prix, Assistant Secretary of Kaduna Coaches Association, Mark orduen, said the turnout would have been more than what was recorded.

In his words, "the event was scheduled for 18th and 19th of March but the change in date of the governorship election affected the turnout. A lot of athletes could not come around but however, the event will have a big impact on the athlete.

He said it should be a thing of joy that such an event is coming and therefore, encouraged other stakeholders to emulate the organisers of the Zaria Athletics Grand Prix.

SOME OF THE RESULTS FOR THE FINAL SO FAR

* 100metres Female

1st Haruna Hajara-11.63

2nd Ayenuro Taiye-11.80

3rd Blessing Ehi ikpa-11.83

100metres Men

1st Oche Emmanuel  10.12

2nd Igube chinemerem 10.13

3rd Monday Ebuka  10.35

800metres Female

1st James comfort  2m 1sec

2nd Lydia Akusho  2m 13sec

3rd Verity Umaru   2m 18sec

 Shotput women

1st Aniefuna Anulika  13.00m

2nd Uzuegbu Patricia  11.20m

3rd Muhammed Salamatu  10.17m

Tripple Jump Men 

1st Kalu Chidozie  15.91m

2nd Joel Iheakolam  15.20m

3rd Orekevwie  Justin  14.64m

1500 metres men

1st salisu Ibrahim  4m 2sec.86

2nd zakariya Sadiq  4min 4 secs.09

3rd John Benjamin   4min 4sec.28

Oche Emmanuel set a personal best in 100metres men