The Director, Benue State Sports Council (BSSC), Anthony Torbunde, has expressed excitement with the performance of Team Benue at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games.

Torbunde told newsmen on Monday at Babcock University Sports Arena, Ilesha Remo, Ogun, that the team has surpassed the people’s expectations.

The director said that nobody believed that Benue would be where it is on the medals table.

He said that the athletes had a rowdy start but settled in to give their best as the festival progressed.

“The improved performance is evident in the number of medals won by the Team Benue athletes.

“So far we have won 4 silver and 7 bronze medals in darts, kung fu, weightlifting, kickboxing and para-athletics.

“We still have hopes of medals coming in para-athletics and golf. Our chances are still bright in kickboxing.

“The team improved tremendously, and you can tell from the experience of Kater Kpum, who performed brilliantly against Nigeria’s greatest of all time, Yusuf Aguru,” he added.

He lauded Benue athletes for being of good behaviour and portraying the state in a good light and urged them to sustain the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline.

According to him, some states’ athletes have been suspended from the games village for unruly conduct, but none of such reports of ungentle manly behaviour have been seen among Benue athletes.

Torbunde assured the athletes that the things they needed to excel in the games would be provided and solicited their patience.

The director appealed to them to reciprocate the kind gesture demonstrated by the state government sponsoring them to the games.

“In spite of the numerous challenges confronting the state, Gov. Hyacinth Alia still found it necessary, even with the lean resources, to see that Benue is properly and adequately represented at the festival.

“We prayed to God to reward him for his commitment to the development of sports in Benue,” he added.