ASABA/Nigeria: The long awaited African Senior Athletic Championship, tagged Asaba 2018 official commenced today with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State declaring the five-day event open amidst an enthusiastic crowd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Governor Okowa, on the occasion, expressed joy at the choice of Asaba as the host city and appreciated the organizers for it.
He urged the athletes to put in their best in the pursuit of laurels, advising that they should exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship and maintain a friendly atmosphere.
In one of the events competed for today, Ethiopia came first and second in the 10, 000 metre race while Uganda took the third position.
Jamel Yima took the gold medal and Stephen Keshi Stadium the silver both of Ethiopia while Dorichich Chimati of Uganda got the bronze.
The championship will run till Sunday, August 5, 2018, and will feature both field and track events.
Nigeria is expected to dominate in the short distance track events regarded as her stronghold alongside fellow West African countries such as Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Reports however indicate that countries like Kenya are battle ready to prove their athletic prowess in the short distance races in addition to their dominance in long distance races.
