National Youth Games Day 4 Wrap: Delta Tops Medal Table.
The hosts Delta and neighbouring Edo State are locked in a fierce contest for supremacy at the 8th National Youth Games, currently underway in Asaba. Following an intense day of competition, Delta State emerged as the frontrunner, claiming 18 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze medals.
Edo State, although a distant second, managed a respectable haul of 9 gold, 5 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Meanwhile, 12 states are yet to secure a medal as of yesterday.
Day 4 of the competition was marked by thrilling performances, with gold medals being won in various events. Ondo State’s Daniel Olumide delivered a standout performance in the Boys’ 100m final, clocking an impressive time of 11.34 seconds to take home the gold. In the Girls’ 100m final, Chigozie Rosemary of Anambra State dominated with a time of 12.24 seconds to secure the top spot.
The athletics events continued to provide excitement, as Plateau State’s Godsmind Nelson Eteng outpaced her rivals in the Girls’ 1500m final, crossing the finish line with a time of 4:56.61. Despite Plateau narrowly missing out on gold in the girls’ event, David Gyang ensured the state tasted victory in the Boys’ 1500m, taking the lead early and finishing in 4:12.11.
In a closely contested Boys’ table tennis singles final, Ayoola Usman of Oyo State triumphed in a thrilling 3-2 victory over fellow Oyo competitor, Ahmed Ahyatulahi. Oyo’s success didn’t end there, as Fathia Owoyele added to the state’s medal tally, winning three gold medals in the girls’ 47kg weightlifting category, excelling in the snatch, clean and jerk.
Hosts Delta continued to showcase their dominance, particularly in para sports, where Akachukwu Ima and Precious Okafor claimed gold in the boys’ and girls’ para table tennis singles events. Delta’s success extended into the doubles events, with Abubakri Khalid and Mustapha Ridwallulahi of Kwara State winning the Boys’ doubles final. Edo’s Edogiawerie Peculiar and Ovuema Favour emerged victorious in the Girls’ doubles.
Delta’s medal-winning spree continued in the mixed doubles, where the pair of Akachukwu Ima and Precious Okafor delivered yet another gold for the host state, reinforcing their standing at the top of the medal table.
As the Games progress, all eyes remain on Delta and Edo as they continue their quest for overall supremacy.