The 9th National Youth Games, held in Asaba, Delta State, witnessed the resounding triumph of Team Edo in weightlifting, establishing their dominance by securing the overall championship title. Their impressive performance yielded a remarkable collection of nine gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, significantly outperforming their competitors. This achievement underscored the effectiveness of Edo State’s investment in youth and sports development, showcasing the potential of focused training and strategic planning to produce exceptional results. The team’s success served as a testament to the athletes’ dedication and the supportive environment fostered by the state’s leadership.
Team Akwa Ibom trailed behind Edo, securing the second position with a commendable haul of five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. While their performance was noteworthy, the gap between them and Team Edo highlighted the latter’s superior prowess in the competition. Team Abia secured the third position with three gold medals, demonstrating their strength in specific weight categories, while Team Niger claimed the fourth spot with one gold and two silver medals. The varying medal tallies among the top contenders reflected the diverse strengths and areas of specialization within each team.
The foundation of Edo’s remarkable victory lay in their unprecedented sweep of all nine gold medals in the women’s weightlifting categories. This clean sweep demonstrated their exceptional depth of talent and strategic preparation in the women’s division. Athletes like Favour Cornelius (44kg), Esther Amarachi Chijoke (48kg), and Beauty Akpore (53kg) each contributed three gold medals to Edo’s tally, showcasing their individual brilliance and contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. Their performances served as an inspiration to aspiring young weightlifters and highlighted the growing strength of women’s weightlifting in Edo State.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, lauded the team’s historic achievement, attributing their success to the visionary leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo. He emphasized the governor’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment for sports development in Edo State, providing athletes with the necessary resources and motivation to excel on the national stage. Enabulele’s commendation underscored the crucial role of supportive leadership and strategic investment in achieving sporting success.
Enabulele, through a statement released by his Media Officer, Wilson Edoko, further highlighted the governor’s commitment to youth development and positioned the weightlifting triumph as a direct outcome of this vision. He emphasized the governor’s role in inspiring the athletes and creating an enabling environment for them to flourish. This statement reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to sports development, encompassing not just training and resources, but also the creation of a positive and motivating atmosphere.
While twelve states earned a place on the medals table, Edo’s comprehensive dominance, particularly in the women’s division, set them apart. Teams Enugu, Oyo, and the FCT tied for fifth place with three silver medals each, while Lagos secured the eighth position with two silver and one bronze medal. Imo, Plateau, Delta, and Osun rounded out the top twelve, each contributing to the overall competitive landscape of the games. The participation and performance of these states underscored the national scope of the competition and the growing popularity of weightlifting across the country. The National Youth Games served as a valuable platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and gain experience competing at a high level.
