Oyo State’s contingent at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games Ogun 2024, has made a strong mark with a series of impressive achievements across various sports.
In taekwondo, Haruna Usman claimed a bronze medal in the men’s poomsae event, while Haruna Kudirat matched the feat in the women’s poomsae. Together, the pair secured a silver medal in the poomsae pair event, showcasing their skill and synergy.
Weightlifting sensation Rofiat Lawal, an Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, stole the spotlight in the 59kg category, winning three gold medals for her 95kg snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift, solidifying her dominance.
The Oyo State darts team added to the medal tally with a gold in the women’s doubles event. In hockey, Oyo State delivered a commanding 5-0 win against Katsina State in their first-round match. The badminton team also advanced to the quarterfinals after a 3-0 sweep over Team Jos.
At the end of yesterday’s activities, Honourable Yusuf Adebisi, House Committee Chairman Youth and Sports, Oyo State House of Assembly performed the symbolic presentation of instant cash awards to the athletes at the team’s camp in Ilishan Remo. He was flanked by current General Manager of Oyo State Sports Council Mr Tunde Ajibike and former Chairman of the Sports Council, Gbenga Ayinde AdéWùsì aka Arole.
Team Oyo’s medal haul is currently at 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.
Today, Oyo’s male cricket team takes the field at the MKO Abiola Stadium Cricket Pavilion for their ODI and T20 matches, aiming to further boost the state’s medal placement.