Team Delta on Thursday emerged winner of the 8th National Youths Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta amidst widespread allegations of age cheating.
The defending champion won a total of 41 gold, 27 silver and 30 bronze to emerge the winner of the games.
A cross-section of sports administrators who monitored the 11-day sporting event expressed disappointment at the organisation and outcome of the games.
Dr Daniel Igali, President of the Wrestling Federation of Nigeria (WFN), told journalists at a news conference that age cheating was a major challenge in the nation’s effort to develop grassroots sports.
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“As a nation, we must have to end this win-at-all-cost approach to tournaments.
“If Nigeria wants to do well in international events, we must take deliberate steps to eliminate age cheating.
“If we fail to address this, the aim of the youth tournament will be defeated because this idea of some states wanting to win at all costs is discrediting the efforts of others.
Igali said that the youth games were becoming a failed projection because those obligated to screen athletes have turned it into a gift for the highest bidder.
He said that the youth games remained the most important competition in the country, as far as sports development is concerned.
Also speaking, the Director of Sports, Abia Sports Council, Mr Obioma George, expressed disappointment over the organization of the event, saying: “I want to sincerely congratulate Delta for hosting this tournament but would also like them to look into the issue of screening of athletes.
“It is disappointing to note that some athletes were screened in spite of their age difference, which gives some states a brighter chance of winning more medals.
“Most of Abia athletes were screened out even when they were not over-aged compared to some other states, where their athletes were initially screened out.
“However, we later got to see the same athletes that were initially screened out compete in the competition.
“We hope that the organisers will try to discourage age cheats going forward in our sports competitions because it’s causing us more harm than good”, Obioma said.
According to the final table released by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the games, Team Lagos came second with 25 gold, 19 silver and 18 bronze medals.
Team Edo scooped 53 medals to emerge third on the medal table with a total of 17 gold, 12 silver and 21 bronze medals.
Team Bayelsa came fourth on the medal table with 52 medals, comprising 14 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze. (NAN)
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