The 22nd National Sports Festival, aptly tagged “Gateway Games 2024,” witnessed a surge in Ondo State’s medal count as the competition drew to a close. After a period of striving, the state finally secured two coveted gold medals, boosting their overall standing on the medals table. These victories, hard-fought and well-deserved, provided a significant boost to the state’s sporting pride and offered a tangible reward for the athletes’ dedication and training.
The first gold medal arrived in the thrilling abula mixed doubles event. Held at the prestigious MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, the Ondo State team faced a formidable challenge in the form of Delta State. In a display of exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination, the Ondo State team overcame their opponents with a decisive 3-1 victory, securing their first gold medal of the games and sparking jubilant celebrations among the athletes and their supporters. This victory was especially sweet considering the men’s team’s narrow loss to Team Bayelsa in the men’s event, where they secured a commendable second place.
Ondo State’s second gold medal came courtesy of the wrestling prowess of Damilola Ojo. Competing at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ikenne, Ojo showcased remarkable strength, technique, and tactical acumen, ultimately triumphing over the competition to claim the top spot on the podium. This victory not only added another gold to Ondo State’s tally but also highlighted the state’s growing strength in wrestling.
Beyond the gold medals, Ondo State athletes also demonstrated their competitive spirit and skill in other sporting disciplines. The state’s men’s volleyball team, the Sunshine Spikers, battled their way to a bronze medal in a hard-fought match against Bayelsa. Although they narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to the eventual silver medalists, Plateau State, the Sunshine Spikers displayed resilience and determination to secure a place on the podium. The host state, Ogun State, ultimately emerged victorious in the men’s volleyball event, defeating Plateau State in a convincing final.
Ondo State’s athletic prowess extended to gymnastics as well. The state’s gymnasts secured two bronze medals, one in the team event and another in an individual apparatus event, courtesy of the talented Braithwaite Tunmininu. These achievements underscored the depth of talent within the Ondo State gymnastics program. Furthermore, Marvellous Otemuyiwa added another bronze medal to the state’s collection with a dominant performance in the +78kg Judo competition, showcasing her skill and strength in the martial art.
The two gold medals, combined with the bronze medals won across various disciplines, significantly elevated Ondo State’s position on the medals table. By the end of the competition, the state had risen to 19th place, a testament to the athletes’ dedication and the overall development of sports within the state. The Gateway Games 2024 not only provided a platform for athletes to showcase their talents but also served as a source of immense pride for Ondo State, demonstrating the state’s growing prominence in the Nigerian sporting landscape.
