India’s Mirabai Chanu clinches her third successive weightlifting Commonwealth Games gold medal in the women’s 48kg category at the 23rd Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday, July 26, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi presents a fine example of how perseverance can reward an athlete. Despite funding issues, the Nigerian lived in the USA for years to pursue his studies and shot put career before ultimately writing a bit of sporting history. He became the first shot putter from his country to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, achieving the feat in Glasgow.

It was a moment of immense pride for the 33-year-old as he recorded a mark of 21.07m and pipped one of his idols, New Zealand’s Worlds and Olympic medallist Tom Walsh. Fresh from his CWG glory, Enekwechi, who hails from the Anambra State, lived up to his billing by securing the top place with 20.78m at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

During an interaction, he spoke about his journey, ambitions and experience of competing in India.

How did you feel after becoming Nigeria’s first shot putter to win gold at the Commonwealth Games?

It was amazing, especially at that moment. My life hasn’t changed much, but it was a piece of history. It was a huge honour. Many people tried before me and came close. For me to be the first person in history, it’s something that nobody can take away from me. And I made a lot of people proud and happy. That means the world to me.

You had clinched a silver in the 2018 CWG. What happened after that?

It was eight years ago. A lot can change in one year. I tried to get a medal in Birmingham (2022) but I didn’t. I was fourth. The pressure doubled leading up to Glasgow. But I knew I had to stay consistent, work hard and take it extremely seriously. I prepared very well, but I was also a bit lucky to have that win. So I’m very grateful.

How did you get into shot put?

I just wanted to lift weights and I had to do something. I had to join a team to lift weights. So I joined athletics on a whim, and things just kept getting better and better.

What challenges do Nigerian throwers face?

It’s mostly infrastructure issues. A lot of the attention goes towards sprints and events that already have funding from shoe companies. The throws (events) don’t get much funding. That would make a big difference… some of it is like investing in coaching and facilities.

The other thing is that I’ve had a lot of international success. Maybe leaning into that, positioning me in a position where I can help out some of the young guys coming up. That would be a very big benefit for the nation.

Where do you train and how is the funding now?

Funding… it’s not there. But I train in Lafayette, Indiana (USA). I went to school at Purdue University and that’s where I train now. I moved there for schooling and after I graduated, I just stayed there and continued to train. I’m 10 years out of school, so I’ve been there for 15 years now.

What advice will you give to young Nigerian throwers?

Give yourself a chance because when you look at me, I’m not the biggest thrower. I’m probably the shortest guy in the field: I’m 180 centimetres tall. And if you looked at me, especially before I put on a lot of muscle, you would not have thought of me as world-class or as a 22-metre shot putter. But I took a chance on myself and I was able to execute it. What it means is that many more kids can do what I did or even better.

Do you get the opportunity to go back to Nigeria?

Yeah, I go to Nigeria once or twice every year… for the National championships, for the sports festival. I take that opportunity to coach some of the local talent. Just kind of give them advice, give the coaches advice… just like there’s so much support for the Indian talent. That’s how I feel for my countrymen. I want them to succeed just as much as anybody would for their country. I do as much as I can to help.

What’s your next goal?

I would love to get another major medal and improve my personal best. I’m 33 years old now, but every year I seem to find something new to add to my repertoire. I just want to keep improving. Before I start to decline, I just want to be consistent at a high level.

Do you have anything specific in mind?

I want to keep making finals and compete for a medal at major championships. That would be awesome.

Who are your inspirations?

Some of the guys who are still competing. I looked up to Joe Kovacs for a long time. He’s one of the throwers who’s not the biggest but super powerful and consistent. I followed him and added my own stuff to get to a world-class level.

And the funny thing is I’m like that for some younger throwers now. It’s kind of full circle. Joe was a big inspiration for me… Reese Hoffa, Ryan Whiting and Adam Nelson. A lot of the guys who are still involved in the sport… even Walsh. We’re not that different in terms of age, but he was achieving at such a high level when I was still in university. These guys are friends now. But I looked up to them and I kind of learned from them.

Have you made some Indian friends?

Yeah. I met two of the local guys. I’ve known Tajinderpal Singh Toor for years now. I just met Samardeep Gill in Glasgow. In shot put, we’re all competitors but we’re also colleagues. So there’s always respect in the first place. I know the guys were cheering each other on in between rounds. Even though we compete hard, there’s a lot of support within the group.

How was the experience of coming to India and competing here?

It was very nice. One thing I can tell about India is that Indians are very proud of their culture. We had a good immersive experience. The music, meeting some of the dignitaries, the art styles, culture, food. We were immersed in the culture. I’ve been at it for 10 years now. This is my first time in India. New experiences are always welcome. I had a lot of fun.

Published – September 01, 2026 07:14 am IST

Mirabai Chanu at a training session in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on March 05, 2026.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

Murali Sreeshankar believes his recent training stint in South Africa will help him do better in major events – like the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games – lined up later this year.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu