The Talent Discovering Committee set up by the National Sports Commission (NSC) at the 9th National Youth Games has identified a large number of stars to be groomed for future challenges.

After nine days of competition, the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) will end in Asaba on Saturday.

The Games have lived up to their billing as the cradle of tomorrow’s champions, with Team Lagos and Edo wrestling the number one position for Team Delta, who had won all past editions from inception in 2013.

As at Friday, Team Lagos had stormed to the summit of the medal table with a huge gap of 82 medals, which includes 40 gold, 25 silver, and 17 bronze.

Team Delta climbed into second place after claiming three gold medals in Athletics to tie Team Edo on 30 gold medals but pulled ahead of their neighbours due to superior silver medals.

Team Delta has 30 gold, 32 silver, and 30 bronze medals ahead of Team Edo, who had occupied the second spot earlier, slipping to third spot after picking 30 gold, 12 silver, and 20 bronze medals.

Team Kwara leapfrogged Team Abia into 4th spot after picking 14 gold, 8 silver, and 11 bronze medals, while Team Abia dropped to 5th spot after claiming 13 gold, 12 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

Team Akwa Ibom is in sixth place with eight gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is in seventh position with seven gold, nine silver, and six bronze. Team Bayelsa (7 gold, 7 silver, 21 bronze), Kano (6 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze), and Team Ogun (4 gold, 6 silver, 9 bronze) sit in the eighth, ninth, and 10th positions.

Though there are accusations of some states fielding over-age athletes, the Games have seen some young athletes break and set new records, igniting the passion of fans and signalling the emergence of future global stars.

Meanwhile, the Talent Discovering Committee is said to have pencilled down names of some talented stars to be submitted to the NSC in Abuja soon after the Games.

Among them is Udoh David, who won the boys’ 400m, setting a personal best of 47.78 seconds on Thursday evening at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Another Team Akwa Ibom’s golden boy, Goodnews Samuel Okon, is also on the list after capturing three gold medals at the Games.

There is also Hopi Onuoseke of Team Delta on the list. Onuoseke leapt to 5.59 meters to win gold in the girls’ long jump event. Another Team Delta star, Ella Udumebraye, who got silver with a jump of 5.29 meters, is also on the list.

The 9th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba will come to an end this Saturday, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expected to attend alongside other top dignitaries from across the country.

The event, which is expected to commence at 10 Saturday morning, will see the gates thrown open at 9.00 am to allow sports enthusiasts to throng into the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, venue of the closing ceremony.