Edo State’s Gymnastics Team emerged champions in gymnastics at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, after a commanding performance where they clinched 10 medals -6 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze.
The victory, which placed Edo clearly ahead of other competing states, further highlighted the state’s growing reputation as a hub for grassroots sports excellence.
Reacting to the triumph, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Enabulele, credited the achievement to the unwavering support of the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
He said: “Governor Okpebholo is a leader who not only dreams but acts. His passion for youth and his belief in the potential of Edo athletes to shine is unmatched. This victory is his legacy, and we proudly dedicate it to him.”
He commended the athletes, coaches, and officials for their hard work and dedication, noting that their collective efforts made the historic win possible.
Among the standout performers were Wisdom Ikede, who won three gold medals in individual events; Aliu Solomon, who claimed one gold and one silver; and Taye Akinjare Izzabella, who secured one gold in the double mini-trampoline and a bronze in power tumbling. Others include Ocheke Excel with a silver, and Frankline Ujuamara with a silver in female aerobics.
Enabulele further emphasized that Edo’s participation was unique, as the state fielded some of the youngest gymnasts at the Games—aligning perfectly with the NYG’s vision of talent discovery and nurturing.
He added: “These victories are not just medals—they are proof of deliberate, focused investments in youth sports by the Okpebholo administration. We are already seeing the results, and the future looks even brighter.”
In Handball, Team Delta, underlined their dominance at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba with a commanding 26–13 (13–06) victory over Bayelsa to book their spot in the semi-finals of the male handball event.
The hosts took control from the first half and never looked back as they comfortably outclassed their South-South rivals.
In other quarter-final matches, Niger out-powered Ogun 36–22 (12–07) to also secure a semi-final place, while Lagos proved too strong for Abia, running out 26–16 (12–09) winners.
Adamawa completed the last-four lineup with a 22–14 (10–06) triumph over Rivers in what was another one-sided contest.
Similarly, Team Ogun won three gold medals, two silver, and two bronze medals on Tuesday night to move up to seventh on the log.
The duo of Oladele Oluwafunbi and Adekanmi Temidayo won two gold in aerobics gymnastics, while Shuaib Mufadil, and Olujimi Iremiposi won one silver, one bronze in trampoline power tumbling and Taekwondo events respectively.
Team Ogun had previously won one gold in shooting, five silver, and seven bronze in Shooting, Ayo Olopon, Table Tennis, and Para Table Tennis to make the total medal haul to 18 as of Day 6.
