2024 NYG: Team Bayelsa records more gold medals in chess

Posted : 17 September 2024

The Director of Sports for the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Braveman Wodi, says he is optimistic that the state will finish in a respectable position in the ongoing 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

In an interview in Asaba, Wodi mentioned that Team Bayelsa started their quest in the games slowly but believes that the athletes will finish strong by the end of the competition.

He noted that Bayelsa has put in what it takes to achieve a podium finish. The latest triumphs in some sports reflect what the state intends to achieve by the end of the games, describing this year's edition as more competitive compared to previous editions.

According to him, no state is guaranteed a podium finish except for the host state, Delta, which is familiar with its facilities. He pointed out that this year's competitiveness is due to the deliberate efforts made by various state governments and their sports councils.

He explained that with the influx of talent observed in the 8th National Youth Games, the nation’s sports would rise again from its current state, emphasizing that the development of sports starts at the grassroots level.

Wodi also commended the screening committee for doing a good job, despite some irregularities, in determining the athletes who would participate in the games. He stressed that physical appearance alone is not enough to determine an athlete’s age.

The Bayelsa Director also advocated for the introduction of U-15 and U-17 youth games, noting that there is a missing link between U-15 and U-17 and that there is a need to bridge this gap.

In the meantime, Team Bayelsa delivered a five-star performance on Monday night in the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba.

In the Dart event, Felicia Idu and Favour Ketekete won gold in the doubles 501. Gymnastics also recorded gold, as did Para Athletics, which won gold, increasing the medal tally.

Elsewhere, the basketball boys won silver after losing in the final 8-5 to Cross Rivers, while the girls were defeated 7-6 by Lagos and will now compete against Osun for the bronze medal.

Goodluck Matthew and Andrew lost their respective finals to Cross Rivers and Taraba State in Kokowa, settling for silver. Kung-fu clinched bronze, as did shooting, which won two bronze medals.

As of the time of filing this report, Team Bayelsa has won 36 medals, comprising 11 gold, 13 silver, and 12 bronze medals, as the games continue. Wrestling will start on Wednesday.

2024 NYG: Team Bayelsa records more gold medals in chess

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