Gateway games

Bayelsa State has taken the early lead in the medals table at the 2024 National Sports Festival, currently underway in Ogun State. The prestigious multi-sport event, dubbed the Gateway Games, is gaining momentum across Abeokuta and other designated venues statewide.

As of the latest update, Team Bayelsa has secured a total of nine medals—six gold, two silver, and one bronze—positioning them at the top of the standings.

Oyo State trails behind with one gold, one silver, and one bronze, while Lagos State, with a more balanced spread, ranks third, having collected three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals.

Cross River State, which led the table earlier in the competition, has slipped to fourth with three gold medals. Rivers State rounds out the top five with two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.

Interestingly, the Invited Junior Athletes, representing the unofficial “38th state” at the festival, have made a notable impression. They currently sit in sixth place with two gold, one silver, and one bronze.

Defending champions Delta State, winners of the last four editions of the National Sports Festival, are yet to assert their usual dominance. As of Tuesday, they are in seventh position with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.

In total, 71 medals have been awarded so far: 23 gold, 23 silver, and 25 bronze.

Competition is set to intensify on Wednesday with medal events in weightlifting, women’s badminton, squash, and more. New events such as swimming and tennis will also kick off at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, while gymnastics and volleyball are scheduled to begin at the Alake Sports Complex.