Team Lagos shone brightly at the recently concluded National Youth Games, tagged Asaba 2024, finishing with an impressive haul of 26 gold, 20 silver, and 19 bronze medals.
This outstanding performance highlights the state’s dedication to identifying and nurturing young talent, showcasing their potential to excel on both national and international stages.
The success of Team Lagos reflects the ongoing commitment of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has prioritized sports development.
Under his leadership, substantial investments in sporting infrastructure and grassroots initiatives have not only fostered talent identification and development but also ushered in a new era of sporting excellence.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming Lagos into Africa’s sports hub is evident through the numerous opportunities being created for athletes and sports administrators to achieve recognition at all levels.
Team Lagos’ second-place finish overall, just behind host state Delta, underscores the state’s remarkable progress.
At the closing ceremony, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sports and talent development.
He praised Team Lagos for surpassing their previous record at the National Youth Games, improving from their 21 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze medal tally from the last edition.
Fatodu emphasized that Lagos State, with its stellar performance at this year’s event, especially in grassroots and talent development, is one to watch in future championships.
He expressed pride in Lagos’ dominance in the U-15 category, which the NYG focuses on, particularly highlighting the state’s future prospects in sports.
Team Lagos delivered several standout performances during the Games, including a hard-fought 10-8 victory over hosts Delta in the basketball final, demonstrating the dominance of Lagos’ female basketball team.
In boxing, Lagos swept all four available gold medals, further cementing their prowess.
In hockey, a crucial goal from Olaitan Muinat secured a gold medal for Lagos against Kaduna in the final, capping off an undefeated run.
Lagos also triumphed in the traditional sport of Abula, defeating Oyo 2-1 (16-13, 8-16, 16-14) to win gold in the female category.
Fatodu reiterated that these young talents represent the future of Lagos sports, emphasizing the state’s holistic approach to sports development, integrating both education and athletic excellence.
He added that under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, athletes are receiving top-notch support and incentives, ensuring continued success in sports talent development.
