Team Delta is currently topping the medal table at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, with an impressive total of 80 gold medals and 190 medals overall.
As of Tuesday, May 27, Delta had 80 gold, 46 silver, and 64 bronze medals — placing them 30 golds ahead of their closest rivals, Team Bayelsa.
Bayelsa is holding on to second place with 50 gold, 36 silver, and 39 bronze medals, making a total of 125 medals so far.
Although Delta is dominating the overall standings, not everything has gone their way.
One of their biggest setbacks came in the men’s 100 metres event, where top sprinter Favour Ashe was disqualified, dealing a blow to their hopes in one of the headline races.
Despite this, Team Delta has found success in other areas, especially in swimming. Star swimmer Timipame-ere Akiayefa won her seventh gold medal on Monday, claiming the top spot in the Women’s 50-metre Butterfly event and continuing her outstanding form at the festival.
Host state Team Ogun is also performing well and is on track for their best-ever outing at the National Sports Festival. They are currently in third place with 44 gold, 29 silver, and 41 bronze medals, making a total of 114 medals.
The home crowd has been cheering them on, and their athletes have responded with great performances.
Edo and Rivers states complete the top five on the medal table, but Delta remains far ahead of the pack.
While there are still many events to go, most observers believe it will be difficult for any team to catch up with Delta.
Having won the last four editions of the National Sports Festival, Delta State looks well on course for a fifth straight title at Gateway Games 2024.
