2025 Youth Games, the dawn of a new era of sporting excellence

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports by Pereolotu Amgbare
 
Bayelsa State' delegation to the recently concluded 2025 National Youth Games raised the bar at the multi-sport event and reaffirmed the state’s growing dominance in grassroots sports development, as they delivered a landmark performance that eclipsed their previous outings.

With well over 50 medals in hand, consisting of a health tally of 18 gold, 12 silver, and 25 bronze medals, Team Bayelsa showcased depth, discipline, and determination across a wide spectrum of events —from combat sports to intellectual games, track events to adaptive competitions. 
 
★ MEDAL HIGHLIGHTS:
 
Combat & Strength
✓ WRESTLING – 5 gold, 1 bronze
 
✓ JUDO – 1 gold, 1 bronze
 
✓ BOXING – 1 bronze
 
✓ TAEKWONDO – 1 bronze
 
✓ PARA WEIGHTLIFTING – 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
 
✓ KUNG-FU – 1 silver
 
Track & Field
✓ ATHLETICS – 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze
 
✓ SWIMMING – 3 silver, 4 bronze
 
Mind & Precision Sports
✓ CHESS – 5 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
 
✓ DARTS – 1 gold
 
✓ SHOOTING – 1 gold
 
✓ AYO – 1 bronze
 
Team & Recreational Sports
✓ ABULA – 1 gold, 1 bronze
 
✓ VOLLEYBALL – 1 silver
 
✓ FIVES –3 bronze
 
✓ GOLF – 2 bronze
 
✓ GYMNASTICS – 1 gold, 2 bronze
 
✓ PARA TABLE TENNIS – 3 bronze
 
✓ KOKOWA – 2 silver
 
✓ TRADITIONAL WRESTLING – 1 bronze
 
 
★ HEAR FROM THE ACTORS
  
The Director of Sports, Bayelsa State, 
Mr. Andrew Aye, praised the athletes for their resilience and commitment.

“Every medal won is a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of Bayelsa youth. This performance reflects our steady rise in grassroots sports development.”

He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the coaches and technical crew for their tireless efforts in nurturing young talent, and to the Bayelsa State Government, led by Governor Douye Diri, for its unwavering support and investment in sports.

Mr. Andrew Aye gave special recognition to Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Erudjakpor and Commissioner for Sports Development Dr. Daniel Igali, whose leadership and backing were instrumental in the team’s success.

★ LOOKING FORWARD 
 
Mr. Aye was confident that with the continued support of the Bayelsa Government, the State will surely build on the momentum from the 9th edition of the Games, with renewed focus on talent discovery, infrastructure and athlete development —positioning the state for even greater achievements on national and international stages.

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