The Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) have made a stunning debut at the 2024 Gateway Games, Nigeria’s National Sports Festival, claiming four medals—two gold, one silver, and one bronze—within the first three days.
The young athletes have outshone expectations, outpacing Elite Athletes in their inaugural appearance at the festival held in Ogun State.
Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur led the charge in the women’s 45kg category, securing historic wins. Chijioke clinched two gold medals with an impressive 82kg lift in the clean and jerk, while Tekumbur earned a silver and a bronze in the same event.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has been widely praised for introducing the IJA initiative, which integrates 38 junior athletes across various sports into the festival as the 38th state contingent.
The IJA concept aims to create a seamless transition from grassroots to elite sports, bridging a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s sports development system.
NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed the initiative’s early success, noting that 90% of IJA athletes are champions from the Youth Games.
“These young athletes have exceeded expectations, not just gaining exposure but winning medals against elite competitors,” Olopade said. “Those who have won medals are now elevated to elite status, qualifying for grants to prepare for the Olympics and Commonwealth Championships next year.”
The IJA’s remarkable performance underscores the potential of Nigeria’s junior athletes and validates the NSC’s innovative approach to nurturing talent for global competitions.