From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Team Bauchi secured their first medals at the 2024 National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, earning one silver and one bronze through Safiyanu Isyaka in the men’s 102kg weightlifting category.
Additionally, the team advanced to the semi-finals in men’s badminton doubles and the quarter-finals in women’s handball, positioning them for potential further success as the festival progresses.
Coach Usman Yusuf, an official from the Bauchi camp, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, saying Team Bauchi are expected to grab more medals after the conclusion of many sporting events lined up for today.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State leads the medal table with nine medals, comprising six gold, two silver, and one bronze. Oyo State follows with one gold, one silver, and one bronze, while Lagos State holds three gold, four silver, and three bronze. Cross River and Rivers States also rank among the top contenders. The Invited Junior Athletes, dubbed the 38th state, have impressed, securing sixth place with two gold, one silver, and one bronze.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) disqualified six athletes for doping violations following a strategic meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025. The barred athletes are Marcus Okon (Akwa Ibom, Para Athletics), Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Bayelsa, Gymnastics), Kareem Shukurat (Lagos, Kickboxing), Omole Dolapo Joshua (Bayelsa, Kickboxing), Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Bayelsa, Kickboxing), and Animashaun Sofia (Lagos, Para Powerlifting).
An incident occurred at the Alake Sports Complex, a festival venue, where a gas explosion caused temporary confusion among athletes and officials. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the fire was quickly extinguished.
Upcoming events on Friday, May 23, include weightlifting, women’s badminton, squash, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and volleyball, promising further competitive action.