By Yetunde Fatungase

President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Hamad Kalkaba, has commended Nigeria for strengthening its lead in sprinting with a new pool of promising young sprinters.

Kalkaba made the commendation during a news conference at the closing ceremony of the 3rd CAA U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championships on Sunday in Abeokuta.

He said that this year’s competition showcased a high level of technical proficiency with notable performances in sprinting, middle-distance events, throwing and jumping.

According to him, South Africa led the competition with the highest number of medals while other countries showcased their talents in all the events.

He said 940 athletes attended the competition with 362 athletes in the U-18 event and 578 athletes in the U-20 events.

Listing the individual highlights of the championships, Kalkaba revealed that Botswana’s Justice Oratile achieved a time of 45:38s in the U-20 400 meters, while three others also finished under 46s in the 400m.

“South Africa’s Temoso Masikane finished with a leap of 16.03 meters in the U-20 Triple Jump event while Nigeria’s Honour Clement cleared 2.10 meters in the High Jump event.

“Also, Nigeria’s Favour Ongah ran 52s in the women’s 400 meters just as Prestina Ochonogor jumped 6.7 meters in the Long Jump event,” he said.

According to Kalkaba, Africa is nurturing a strong new generation of athletes.

“We have seen Algeria and Egypt reaffirm their dominance in the throwing events.

“Kenya remains consistent in middle-distance running and South Africa excelled in hurdle events.

“Our host, Nigeria has also solidified their lead in sprinting,” the CAA president said.

He thanked the Nigerian government for “bailing us out after Algeria failed to meet requirements” adding that Algeria would be hosting the 2027 edition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni