Delta State has emerged winner of the 2023 National Youth Games tagged “Asaba 2023” with a total of 116 medals to maintain its dominance of the games.
Team Delta bagged 51 gold; 34 silver and 31 bronze medals to emerge 7th consecutive winners, Lagos State came second with a total of 61 medals comprising 21 gold; 19 silver and 21 bronze, while Edo State came third with 21 gold; 15 silver; 17 bronze medals.
Delta’s win at home soil has made it seven wins in the seven National Youth Games since 2013 when Abuja hosted the first and Ilorin the last five editions.
Speaking at 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.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, thanked the organisers for their hardwork which lead to the success of the games.
He said after seven days of intense sports competition, rivalries, and pomp and pageantry, new champions have emerged, new talents discovered, and new heights have been attained by the participants and organisers.
The Governor congratulated the winners and commended their drive and determination to succeed urging them to keep their head high.
He thanked the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Delta State Sports Commission, and the Local Organsing Committee for their contributions to the development of sports in the country.
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 has continued to meet expectations each year, adding that participating athletes had gone ahead to win laurels for the country over the years.
The Sports Minister said 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.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of medals to athletes who emerged victorious in various sports, while trophies were presented to Delta, Lagos and Edo state contingents for emerging first, second and third in the medal table.