*Leaps to 14th spot with improved Gold Haul
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Team Kwara has wrapped up its outing at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, with a significant leap in performance, finishing 14th on the overall medal table.
The state bagged a total of 29 medals: 6 gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze, marking a steady rise from its 18th position in the 2022 edition held in Delta State.
Though Kwara recorded more total medals (49) in 2022, this year is stronger showing in gold and silver categories reflects an encouraging shift toward quality over quantity.
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The 2024 edition, themed “Gateway Games,” saw Kwara athletes deliver standout performances in events such as Squash, Table Tennis, Badminton, and Wushu Kungfu.
Athletes like Rofiat Azeez, Blessing Isaac, Ahmed Abdullahi, Kudirat Imam Fulani, and Aiyelabegan Shukurat were among the top contributors to the medal haul, showcasing individual brilliance that pushed the state ahead on the table.
Speaking on the team’s performance, Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, said the improved result was a clear indication of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to reviving sports in the state.
“This is not just about medals; it’s about the rising standard of our athletes. The support from His Excellency has been consistent, and our athletes have matched that with discipline, focus, and determination,” Mogaji stated.
He expressed optimism that Kwara’s sports sector is on the path to further development, promising that the commission will continue to build on the momentum achieved at the games.
Meanwhile, Delta State retained its dominance at the festival, finishing first with 337 medals, including 126 gold. Host state Ogun came second with 235 medals, while Bayelsa secured third place with 228 medals.
For Team Kwara, the 2024 National Sports Festival may well be remembered as the turning point towards becoming a more competitive sporting state on the national stage.
