Nasaawa state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Amb. Lucky Isaac Yargwa said they are confident of surpassing the record they set at the last National Sports Festival, NSF in Benin City, Edo State.
He made this disclosure during a press briefing on the performance of Team Nasarawa at the ongoing NSF tagged Delta 2022 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba today.
The Commissioner disclosed that their sport-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule has given them all the necessary support to ensure they excel at the Festival.
His words, “We had early preparations for the Sports Festival and we were among the first States to arrive Asaba. We came in on 29th November, 2022, and participated fully in the opening ceremony.
“So far, Team Nasarawa has won three medals – one Silver from Para-Table Tennis and two coming from Taekwondo events(Poomsae Individual and Poomsae Team Event),” he noted.
The Commissioner further said, “Some of our athletes are already in the medal stage in some sports, and before the end of today, we should have more medals in our cabin. There are many other sporting events we are yet to commence participation in.”
Hon. Yargwa also revealed that Delta 2022 is their 11th appearance at the National Sports Festival since Nasarawa State was created in 1996. “Team Nasarawa started participating at the Sports Festival in 1998.”
He continued, “The experience at the Sports Festival is second to none, and it provides us with the opportunity to showcase what we have, both talent and sports-wise.”
“I want to assure you that before the end of the Festival, Team Nasarawa will be among the top ten highest medal-winning States. Our athletes and coaches are more than motivated to deliver results.
“Nobody is owed any dime. The State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, made every necessary and adequate provision for each member of the contingent. As a State, our main focus is on the real stakeholders, that is the athletes and coaches. Of course, we are here because of them.
“I also wish to disclose to you that our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has graciously redeemed the sum of 16.5 million pledge he made to athletes who won medals at last year’s Sports Festival in Edo State.
“This is to further boost the morale of the athletes to redouble their efforts at this year’s edition of the Event. The Governor is a firm believer of hard work and graciously rewards excellence, no matter where it is coming from.
“As a Government, we prioritize the welfare of our people, and we will continue to improve it to meet acceptable global standard.
“We are deliberate in building sports infrastructure and supporting human resource development for optimum performance and healthy competition wherever we find ourselves.”
Recalled that in 2021 edition of the Sports Festival in Edo State, Team Nasarawa won a total of 22 medals, which include 5 gold, four silver and 13 bronze medals, and finished 18th out of 36 States and FCT, Abuja, on the medals’ table.
“From the entire 19 Northern States and FCT, Abuja, only three States (namely, Kano, Plateau and Kwara) and FCT Abuja, did better than us at the last edition of the Sports Festival, even though we went with fewer sports events.
“That was one of our best outings since the Festival began in 1973, that’s some 49 years ago, in Lagos.
“Today, Team Nasarawa came to Asaba with the largest number of contingent, comprising 181 athletes, 33 coaches, 8 referees, 27 sports secretaries, 20 accompanying officials, 2 medical personnel and 6 security details,” the Commissioner concluded.
