By Demola Atobaba
In what looks like a dramatic resurgence, Team Ekiti has brushed off early setbacks at the 2023 National Youth Games in Delta State to secure their first gold medal, signaling a spirited comeback that has captivated the nation.
Despite the initial uproar surrounding the attire of Ekiti’s athletes, the representatives from the “Land of Honour” have rallied with renewed determination to bring honor to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership and the people of Ekiti.
On just the second day of the Youth Games, Team Ekiti silenced the skeptics by ascending the podium to claim a coveted gold medal. Fatai Abdulrahman emerged as the hero, outclassing competitors from Nasarawa and Adamawa States to clinch the gold in the enthralling game of golf.
What’s even more intriguing is that Mustapha, the younger brother of the gold medalist, is on the cusp of securing another medal for Ekiti State in the same sport, having triumphed over opponents from various states to reach the semifinals. This achievement virtually guarantees Team Ekiti at least a gold or silver.
In addition to their golfing prowess, Team Ekiti athletes are excelling in various other disciplines, including table tennis, boxing, handball, and scrabble. Kolade Bright showcased his table tennis skills by defeating an opponent from Abia State, while female table tennis players Okaraga Idowu and Akeem Elias, both from Ekiti State, advanced to the next stage of their event.
The boxing ring witnessed Agboola Olueapelumi’s impressive performance as he outpunched his rival from Kogi State, earning a place in the male boxing event’s quarterfinals. Ekiti State now has three boxers in the quarterfinals: Balogun Nurudeen Olusola (male 48kg), Olanike Mercy (female 46kg), and Agboola Oluwapelumi.
Female handball players from Ekiti showcased their dominance by defeating their counterparts from Bauchi State with a resounding score of 21 points to 5. Their next challenge awaits against Imo State on Tuesday.
At the 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba, Ekiti State, with a delegation of 100 athletes, is participating in 18 diverse sports. While a few states, including Ekiti, have made their mark on the medals table, it’s Ekiti’s golden triumph in golf that has firmly established them as a hub of raw sporting talent, particularly excelling in cricket, gymnastics, golf, baseball, tennis, athletics, and boxing–consistently amassing medals in previous Games.
The National Youth Games, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu and represented by Sports Minister Senator John Enoh, commenced on Saturday and are scheduled to conclude on Saturday, September 30, promising more exhilarating moments in the days ahead.
