Delta Set to Host Memorable 7th National Youth Games  in Asaba

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

All is now set for the 7th edition of the National Youth Games to kick off tomorrow in Asaba, Delta State.

As at yesterday, most of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had arrived the capital city and were seen putting finishing touches to their preparations to battle for medals in the youth sports fiesta.

The Games will feature 35 sports, with no fewer than 4,500 athletes from the states and the FCT participating.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, is expected to be on ground for the opening ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

An aide of the minister told THISDAY yesterday that the main focus of the Games will be to unearth young talents for the country, who would possibly take on the baton at the elite stage in a few years.

“At this level of sports, our major focus as a nation will not be to win, but to provide a platform for new talents to find expression,” the Ministerial aide stressed. 

Speaking at a media parley with senior sports journalists recently, the Minister said that he was looking forward to a working system that churns out talents for the country.

“We want to have a working system that churns out talents for the nation, and at the same time provide a platform for these talented individuals to be the best version of themselves.”

“The National Youth Games is for young athletes who are 15 years and under. It is at this level that we want to find the next Victor Osimhen, the heir apparent to Tobi Amusan, the protégés for Funke Oshonaike and Aruna Quadri, and many others,” Senator Enoh noted.

The Games will be held between September 23 and 30, 2023, across multiple venues in the Delta State capital.

Sports to feature at the Games include; athletics, basketball, cricket, chess, football, judo, golf, handball, scrabble, Taekwondo and volleyball.