By Ibrahim Tukur

The 8th National Youth Games, tagged “Asaba 2024,” came to a thrilling close yesterday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, with Team Delta emerging as champions for the eighth consecutive time. 
 
They took home an impressive 111 medals, comprising 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze.
 
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the closing ceremony and declared the games closed. 
 
He praised the National Youth Games as a valuable platform for discovering young talents who will represent Nigeria in various sports in the future.
 
Team Delta topped the medal table with 111 medals, consisting of 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze. Team Lagos secured second place with 65 medals, while Team Edo claimed third place with 59 medals.
 
The minister noted that 450 talented athletes from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were identified during the games. He commended the Delta State Government for hosting the event successfully and urged states to develop talent hunt plans to nurture newly discovered talents.
 
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, congratulated the young athletes on their display of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship. 
 
He emphasised the power of sports in uniting people and promoting cultural heritage, encouraging states to invest in grassroots sports to create opportunities for youth.
 
The minister also emphasised that the National Youth Games promote peace, unity, and economic prosperity for the host state. 
 
He charged states to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to leverage the socio-economic potentials of sports in their development.