Team Bayelsa is currently leading the medal standings at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, as the multi-sport competition gathers pace across venues in Abeokuta and other parts of the state.
As of Tuesday evening, Bayelsa had amassed a total of nine medals — six gold, two silver, and one bronze — placing the riverine state firmly at the top of the table.
Trailing behind is Oyo State, which has secured one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, while Lagos State sits in third with three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals.
Cross River State, which led the medal table after day two, has now dropped to fourth despite maintaining its three gold medals. Rivers State rounds out the top five with a tally of two gold, three silver, and one bronze.
Notably, the Invited Junior Athletes — regarded as the symbolic “38th state” of the Games — are holding their own against more established teams. They currently occupy sixth place, having claimed two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Defending champions Delta State, who have dominated the last four editions of the festival, are yet to hit top gear. The team sits in seventh place with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
So far, athletes at the Gateway Games have claimed a combined total of 71 medals: 23 gold, 23 silver, and 25 bronze.
The hunt for more medals continues on Wednesday with medal events scheduled in weightlifting, women’s badminton, squash, and other sports. New competitions in swimming and tennis will begin at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, while gymnastics and volleyball action will kick off at the Alake Sports Complex.
