Team Bayelsa has taken the lead in the medal standings at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival, popularly known as the Gateway Games, currently holding across various centres in Ogun State.
According to The PUNCH, as of Tuesday evening, Bayelsa had secured a total of nine medals—six gold, two silver, and one bronze—placing the South-South state ahead of other contenders at the prestigious multi-sport event.
Oyo State trails closely behind with a total of three medals, comprising one gold, one silver, and one bronze. Lagos follows in third place with three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals.
Despite an early lead on day two of the games, Cross River State has slipped to fourth, holding steady at three gold medals. Rivers State completes the top five with two gold, three silver, and one bronze.
In a surprising twist, the Invited Junior Athletes, regarded as the symbolic “38th state,” have impressed many by climbing to sixth place with two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Defending champions, Delta State, known for dominating the past four editions of the games, currently sit in seventh position with one gold, one silver, and one bronze.
So far, athletes have collectively claimed 71 medals at the festival—23 gold, 23 silver, and 25 bronze.
Wednesday’s events are expected to intensify the competition as medal battles continue in weightlifting, women’s badminton, squash, and more. Swimming and tennis are scheduled to begin at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, while gymnastics and volleyball will kick off at the Alake Sports Complex.
Speaking on the progress of the games, a festival official, who requested anonymity, said, “The standard has been impressive this year. The inclusion of Junior Athletes has added an exciting twist to the competition. All eyes are on Delta, but Bayelsa and others are proving their strength.”
A fan at the venue, Tolu Ajayi, expressed her excitement: “It’s amazing to see states like Bayelsa and Oyo pushing hard this year. It’s a true celebration of talent from across the country.”
