Team Anambra wrapped up its participation in the ninth National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, securing a total of 14 medals. The haul comprised four gold, two silver, and eight bronze medals. The 2025 NYG concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, even though it fell short of the previous edition. In the last NYG, Anambra had finished eighth overall, collecting 26 medals, including nine gold, nine silver, and eight bronze. Onyedum emphasized that the primary goal of the Games is talent development rather than merely accumulating medals.
He praised the state government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for its commitment to grassroots sports through the reintroduction of school sports programs. Onyedum also raised concerns about the use of overage athletes in age-group competitions, calling for stricter measures from the National Sports Commission and sports federations to address the issue. “It is quite unfortunate; this is supposed to be a competition for children 15 years and below, yet I presented a medal to a young man with a mustache. How can a 15-year-old grow a beard?” he remarked.
The chairman highlighted the problem of age falsification, noting that some athletes even manipulate their national identification numbers to compete. He stressed that while the Youth Games are a crucial initiative for sports development in Nigeria, such practices undermine its purpose and spirit.
Anambra’s contingent for the 2025 NYG consisted of 145 members, including 81 athletes and 45 officials, and the state did not participate in any team events. Despite the challenges, Onyedum reaffirmed pride in the young athletes, noting their potential to defend and improve upon their achievements in future competitions.
ADD A COMMENT :