By Uzor Odigbo
Delta State has won the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games, tagged “Asaba 2023”, as Team Lagos and Edo finish in 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
This year’s competition hosted by Delta commenced on September 20 and ended September 30 in Asaba.
According to the final medal table released by the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 10-day long events, Team Delta emerged Champions of the competition after raking in a total of 51 gold, 34 silver, and 31 bronze medals.
Team Lagos occupied the 2nd position after winning 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze to narrowly went ahead of Team Edo who came 3rd best in the National Youth Games with 21 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Bayelsa and Kwara settled for the 4th and 5th positions after winning 20 Gold, 7 silver, 16 bronze and 13 gold, 14 silver and 9 bronze medals respectively.
Team Ogun cliched the 6th position with 11 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze, closed followed by FCT who raked in 11 gold, 10 silver and 16 bronze to emerged in the 7th position.
The 8th position went to Team Anambra with 7 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze, as Team Rivers clinched the 9th position with 6 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the closing ceremony on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State Sports Commission Chairman Chief Tonobok Okowa, expressed his gratitude for a successful the Games that ended without ugly incident.
He wished all participants a safe journey back to their destinations.
He delighted in Delta State AthIetes for coming tops again at the Youth Games, insisting that his wish for a parting for a gift has been realized.
Also, acting Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, commended the athletes for putting up their best for Edo.
Dr. Igbinosa who was visibly elated thanked the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his commitment to sports development, particularly grassroots sports.
“I am proud of our athletes because they did their very best despite competing with their ‘elder brothers and sisters’ (much more order athletes) in the competition and at the end, they came out 3rd.
“I want to give kudos to the state government, led by Governor Godwin Osaretin, for the tremendous support he gave us. With his support, we were able to go to a closed camp for the first time in Edo.
However, Gombe State AthIetics Academy that stepped in for the Gombe state place 30th on the medals table with 1 silver and 2 bronze Medals.