Delta Reclaims Top Spot as Athletics Take the Spotlight at Gateway Games 2024

Delta Reclaims Top Spot as Athletics Take the Spotlight at Gateway Games 2024

By Niyi Busari 

As the 22nd National Sports Festival—Gateway Games 2024—enters a critical phase, Delta State has once again stamped its authority, surging to the top of the medals table through dominant performances in swimming and taekwondo.

Team Delta state has garnered a total of 76 Medals consisting of 35 gold, 12 silver and 29 bronze medals overtaking Team Bayelsa who has won 66 medals; 33 gold, 16 silver and 17 beonze.

In the swimming events, Delta's athletes made an emphatic statement. Duke Eniyekenumi delivered a composed performance to clinch gold in the men’s 200m backstroke, while Akiayefa Timipame-ere demonstrated remarkable versatility, topping the podium in the women’s 200m individual medley. These early victories reinforced the state’s formidable aquatic pedigree and gave their medal count a powerful boost.

The momentum continued in taekwondo, where Delta extended its legacy of excellence. Over five days of intense competition at the Ilisan Town Hall, the team collected five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals—emerging as the clear leaders in the discipline.

Delta was particularly commanding in the Poomsae (demonstration) events, securing gold in the male team, female team, and mixed pair categories. Celebrated national athletes Olusola Olowookere and Kolade Paul added to the haul, each earning gold in the lightweight and middleweight divisions respectively.

Trailing Delta in the taekwondo standings were Oyo State (3 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze) and Osun State (3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze). Host state Ogun, along with Bayelsa and Rivers, also posted strong performances.

Medals Table (as of May 23, 2025 – 7 PM):

Delta State: 35 Gold | 12 Silver | 29 Bronze | Total: 76

Bayelsa State: 33 Gold | 16 Silver | 17 Bronze | Total: 66

Rivers State: 17 Gold | 13 Silver | 13 Bronze | Total: 43

Ogun State: 12 Gold | 14 Silver | 18 Bronze | Total: 44

Oyo State: 12 Gold | 12 Silver | 18 Bronze | Total: 42

As events continue across multiple venues, attention now shifts to the track at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, where the athletics competition promises to further shake up the standings. With national pride and glory at stake, the race for supremacy is far from over.