Gateway Games 2024: Junior Athletes Ready To Challenge Pros

Gateway Games 2024: Junior Athletes Ready To Challenge Pros

Ibrahim Lateef

BSNSports.com.ng can report that with just 10 days remaining until the 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the “Gateway Games,” kicks off in Abeokuta, Ogun State, excitement is building.

A key highlight of this event is the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA).

Initiated by the National Sports Commission (NSC) as an innovative approach, the IJA program aims to nurture the nation’s brightest young sports talents. 

Referred to as the “38th state,” this team comprises over 100 teenage athletes selected from across Nigeria.

They will compete against more established athletes in around 11 sports at the upcoming National Sports Festival.

The NSC's vision is to provide these young athletes with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on a significant stage while accelerating their growth in a competitive environment.

The atmosphere at the IJA camp is filled with energy and optimism, confirming that this vision is coming to life.

The IJA will participate in athletics, badminton, football, para-athletics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, wrestling, and weightlifting.

These sports were chosen to align with Nigeria’s strengths and to prepare the next generation of stars for both national and international competitions.

While their participation is intended for developmental purposes, the athletes in the camp are not merely there to observe.

From the sprints to the wrestling mats and from the swimming lanes to the weightlifting platforms, these junior athletes are ready to challenge the status quo.

The Gateway Games 2024, taking place from May 16 to 30, is expected to host between 12,000 and 15,000 athletes across more than 30 sports, making it the largest gathering of sporting talent in the country.

Amidst this vast display of talent, all eyes will be on the IJA to see just how well the “38th state” performs.

As the countdown continues, one thing is evident: the future of Nigerian sports is not merely on the horizon; it is actively unfolding. And it is proudly represented by the Invited Junior Athletes.