From Taiye Joseph Ilorin.
Team Kwara, recorded its first gold medal at the ongoing 2025 National Sports Festival in Asaba, after cyclist Abdulrasak Falilat, powered to victory in the women’s 40km road race.
The historic win sparked celebration in the camp as Falilat became the first athlete to deliver gold for the state.
In the men’s category, Atanda Abdulmaleek, added a bronze medal in the 80km road race, boosting Kwara’s medal haul.
Para-athletes also made their mark, with Ridwan Mustapha and Abubakri Khalid settling for bronze in the boys’ doubles Para-Table Tennis event.
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The swimming team showed resilience, securing another bronze medal in the girls’ 4x100m medley relay.
Meanwhile, in Table Tennis, Yetunde Semilore and Yusuf Mohammed, advanced to the quarter-finals after a convincing win over Lagos in the boys’ doubles.
“We are focused on going all the way and making Kwara proud,” Yusuf said after the victory.
In Fives, the duo of Gaana Grace and Busayo Falana sealed a spot in the women’s doubles final, raising hopes for another gold medal.
However, it was a tough outing in Ayo as Team Kwara lost all its women’s singles matches.
Competition remains intense as more events including Taekwondo, Handball, Shooting, and Volleyball continues, with Para Powerlifting, Squash, Tennis, and Darts also kicking off.
“The athletes are determined to improve on our performance and target podium finishes in every event,” a team official noted.
