Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has expressed deep admiration for the impressive display of talent at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, saying it is amazing to see the incredible talents chinning out at the youth competition.
“It is amazing to see the incredible talents chinning out in this youth competition. The real highlight this year isn’t just the medals being won but the remarkable discovery of raw talents across different sports,” Senator Enoh said.
Among the many young stars shining bright is Isabella Inmi Ojo Ichado, the youngest female chess player in Nigeria.
Ichado represented Kogi State in chess, having developed a passion for the game at the tender age of three. Her father, a chess coach, has played a significant role in nurturing her skills, and she has since demonstrated exceptional prowess on the chessboard.
Senator Enoh lauded Ichado’s achievements, emphasising the importance of identifying and supporting such talents at an early stage.
“Young athletes like Isabella are proof of the immense potential that exists in our country. She is an inspiration, not only because of her skill but also her dedication to the game at such a young age. We are proud of her and the other young stars rising through this platform,” the minister said.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to developing grassroots sports and ensuring that platforms like the National Youth Games continue to serve as breeding grounds for the next generation of national champions.
The National Youth Games, which bring together thousands of young athletes from across Nigeria, has once again proven to be a vital event for fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and the spirit of competition.
This year’s edition has already unveiled numerous rising stars who have the potential to represent Nigeria on the global stage in the near future.
Meanwhile, defending champions and hosts, Team Delta State are not leaving anything to chance in their determination to retain as they clinched more golds yesterday to consolidate their lead on top of the medal table.
At the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Monday, David Udoh of Delta State won the 400m boys gold medal in a time 49.33secs before Ngozi Treasure Okereke made it double for the Team by winning the 400m girls final in a time of 53:50 seconds.
Team Delta also celebrated in the Gymnastics event after winning 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.
It was Team Delta all the way in Judo, where the state got her first gold in the – 32kg girls event through Marvelous Duru.
Ondo State was second, while Edo and Abia were joint third.
In the Paraathletics concluded events, Lagos grabbed the gold in shotput in f46/47 boys, while Team Edo got the silver medal. Nasarawa settled for the bronze.
In Shot put F42/44 girls, Akwa Ibom got the gold, Kwara silver and Abia bronze.
In long jump F46/47 girls, Bayelsa got the gold medal, Imo silver and Kwara bronze.
Team Delta captured the gold medal in the long jump F46/47 boys, with Bauchi settling for the silver and Katsina the bronze.
