Team Bayelsa has taken an early lead in the medals standings at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival, currently being hosted in Ogun State. The biennial multi-sports competition, tagged Gateway Games 2024, is in full swing across Abeokuta and other designated centres in the state.
As of Tuesday’s close of events, Bayelsa State sits at the top of the medals table with an impressive haul of nine medals, six gold, two silver, and one bronze, showcasing a strong start to their campaign.
Oyo State follows closely with one gold, one silver, and one bronze, while Lagos State currently holds third place with a total of ten medals: three gold, four silver, and three bronze. Cross River State, which led after day two, has dropped to fourth place with three gold medals. Rivers State rounds out the top five with two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.
Notably, the Invited Junior Athletes, who are competing as a special 38th team at the festival, are holding their own among seasoned contenders. The team currently occupies sixth place with two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
Defending champions Delta State, who have dominated the last four editions of the festival, are yet to hit their stride. They currently sit in seventh place with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. So far, a total of 71 medals have been awarded across various disciplines, 23 gold, 23 silver, and 25 bronze.
The race for more medals continues on Wednesday, with events in weightlifting, women’s badminton, squash, and several others. Swimming and tennis are scheduled to commence at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, while gymnastics and volleyball will kick off at the Alake Sports Complex.
The festival, a key event in Nigeria’s sporting calendar, continues to foster youth talent and unity through healthy competition among the country’s states.
