By Kunle Mudasiru
Host Delta State was declared the winner of the 8th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba with the state winning a total of 111 of medals to defend their title won last year at the same venue.
It was a colourful closing ceremony at the playing pitch of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with Delta marching out alongside other states as the curtains were drawn on the game.
Delta won 46 gold, 31 silver and 34 bronze medals leaving Lagos State to finish in distant second with 65 medals; 26 gold, 20 silver and 19 bronze medals.
Edo finished third after winning 18 gold, 13 silver and 28 bronze medals for a total of 59 medals
Last year, when Delta hosted the 7th edition of the Games, the state topped the medals table with 51 gold, 34 silver and 11 bronze medals, with Team Lagos on second spot with 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze. Edo finished third last year with 21 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.
Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero, said it has been an interesting competition while also declaring that the Games was more competitive this year.
“We topped the medals table with 51 gold last year,” he said.
“Now, we are winning with 48 gold, which means the Games are much more competitive this year. As of now, 32 states have medals unlike last year when there were about 27 states.”
Delta has won all editions of the National Youth Games from 2016 till date.
Thursday’s boys football final was won by Abia Warriors defeating Delta State on penalties to win their first football gold medal at the Games.
