Team Delta triumphs as 8th National Youth Games closes in Asaba

The 8th National Youth Games, tagged “Asaba 2024,” came to a close on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, with Team Delta emerging as champions for the eighth consecutive time.

Delta secured a total of 111 medals, including 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze, solidifying their dominance in the tournament. Lagos and Edo states followed in second and third place, winning 65 and 59 medals, respectively.

Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event and officially declared the tournament closed.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Senator Enoh highlighted the significance of the games as a platform for discovering young sporting talents who would represent Nigeria in the future.

“The National Youth Games have been a valuable platform to discover young talents that will go on to represent Nigeria in various sports. Many athletes discovered in previous editions have become champions, creating opportunities for themselves and the nation,” Enoh said, through his representative, Mr. Patrick Okeke, Director of Grassroots Sports.

Senator Enoh also commended the athletes for their resilience and dedication, noting that the 2024 edition identified 450 talented young athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He praised the high level of discipline and sportsmanship displayed throughout the games, emphasizing that the future of Nigerian sports is promising.

The minister extended gratitude to the Delta State Government for successfully hosting the event and applauded the participating states for supporting their contingents. He urged state governments to develop talent hunt plans to nurture newly discovered athletes for the future.

In addition, Senator Enoh encouraged states to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by leveraging the socio-economic potential of sports for development.

“The National Youth Games not only promote peace and unity but also foster economic growth for the host state,” he added.

Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, also addressed the athletes, congratulating them for their remarkable display of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship. He reiterated the power of sports to unite the nation and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The governor called on states to continue investing in grassroots sports to create more opportunities for the nation’s youth.