‘Edo athletes competed against their elder brothers, sisters in Asaba’

Officials of Edo State said the state’s third position finish at the just-concluded Seventh National Youth Games, in Asaba, is worth celebrating.

Team Delta emerged Champions for the seventh time 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 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 occupied the 6th position with 11 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze, 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 was in the 9th position with 6 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze.

Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the closing ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Acting Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission, Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, commended the athletes for putting up their best for Edo.

An elated Igbinosa 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 older athletes) in the competition and at the end, they came third on the medals’ table.

“I want to give kudos to the state government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, 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.”