Delta State emerged overall champions of the 2023 National Youth Games (NYG) tagged “Asaba 2023” with a total of 116 medals to underline its dominance of the games.
This year’s competition hosted by Delta kicked off on September 20 and ended September 30, 2023 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.
Delta’s win at home soil makes it six wins from the seven National Youth Games since 2013 when Abuja hosted the first which was won by Cross River.
Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, represented by Acting Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Mr Patrick Okeke, commended the Delta State Government for being a worthy partner in sports development.
He said the National Youth Games continues meeting expectations each year, adding that participating Athletes had gone ahead to win laurels for the country over the years.
The minister said the games contributed to the growth of the state’s economy with the creation of direct and indirect jobs in the sports value chain.
He added that the ministry was open to partnerships that will further improve sports development in the country, adding that over 400 athletes have been identified across the participating states at the games.
Also speaking, during the closing ceremony of the games held at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, congratulated team Delta and other participating teams for their efforts.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, the governor thanked the organisers for their hard work leading to the success of the games.
“After seven days of intense sports competition, rivalries, and pomp and pageantry, the curtain draws on the 7th National Youth Games today. New champions have emerged, new talents discovered, and new heights have been attained by the participants and organizers.
“I congratulate the winners and all the participants. In the last one week, we watched with admiration as you dazzled us with your talents and abilities, the will to win, and the spirit of excellence.
“Every one of you did your best to win and I commend your drive and determination to succeed. But as it is the case in sports, not everybody will climb the medals table.
“Those of you who did not win a medal can hold your head high that you competed with the heart of a champion and showed us a great deal of promise. Thank you for the exciting moments you gave us. We are proud of you.
“As you all return to your various states, I trust that you will apply the lessons you have learned from this competition into your daily lives.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the closing ceremony on Saturday in Asaba, 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.
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