The Kano State team, led by the acting chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Bala Sani Shehu, reached Asaba early Wednesday morning for the National Youth Games 2024. After a grueling 25-hour journey from Kano, the delegation is now in the Delta State capital, ready for the 8th edition of the biennial sports event.
The contingent, which includes 145 athletes, is set to compete in 13 of the 36 scheduled events, such as basketball, fives, judo, karate, kickboxing, para-athletics, rugby, shooting, taekwondo, swimming, and wrestling.
The athletes are eager to demonstrate their skills and vie for medals as the games kick off today. Kano State has a history of participation, having competed in 19 of the previous 36 editions and winning a total of 18 medals—one gold, six silver, and eleven bronze—placing the state 21st on the overall medals table.
The National Youth Games, launched during Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s presidency and organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission, aims to bring together young athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The event promotes the display of sporting talent and fosters national unity through sports.
Written by: Blossom Kugbere.