As the Weightlifting International Championship gets underway today in London to test-run facilities ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, President of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, Chimdi Ejiogu has expressed satisfaction over the recognition given to the country.

Speaking to Saturday Vanguard Sports on arrival from the African Weightlifting Congress held in Kampala, Uganda, he said a Nigerian weightlifter will be rubbing shoulders with the best in the world following her performances in past international tourneys.

“We have gotten the invitation and one of our lifters and a coach are already set to represent the federation. It is just a ceremonial championship but a showpiece to mingle with the best in the world. We earned the invitation as a result of past performances in international championships. It will be painful if we had not gone for the tourney.

“We were able to send our representative despite having some challenges with funds because the Sports Ministry is only concerned with major tournaments to prepare teams for the Olympics,” Ejiogu said.

The tourney which is titled ‘London Prepares’ Weightlifting International Invitational will see lifters contesting in the 94kg & +105kg for men and 69kg & +75kg for female.