Ekiti state has won its first medal in the ongoing 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games in Ogun State.
The medal was won by a weight Lifter,Abayomi Adeleye who registered Ekiti on the medals table by winning Bronze in the 55kg category after beating ten out of the thirteen contestants in the category to secure the Bronze medal.
Adeleye was successful at the first attempt in the 88kg while he lost the second attempt in the 92kg before rallying to to lift 92kg in the third attempt
The Technical Advisor on Sports Development Dr. Olusola Osetoba expressed delight that Ekiti has commenced the games on a good note by winning a medal, saying she is optimistic that Ekiti will win Gold and more medals as the games progresses.
She encouraged member of the State Contingent to put in their best stressing that the Athletes are determined not only to participate, but to win medals at the sports festival.
While Speaking on the feat, the Bronze medalist , Abayomi Adeleye expressed his joy for winning the medal and hoped his achievement would open the floodgates of successes for Ekiti State at the biennial event
In the meantime,members of Team Ekiti continue their pursuit of Gold at the Gateway 2025 games as they will participate in other weightlifting category, Judo, cycling, Ayo and Chess on the first full day of the competition.
It will be recalled that Ekiti state contingent joined other states of the Federation in a colourful display at the official opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Ogun State..
The colourful opening ceremony which had was declared open by President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashem had in attendance dignitaries from across the country including ,
former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, Governors of Anambra.and Osun States as well as the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye
The ceremony saw Ekiti contingent colourfully dressed in gold and black coloured track suits to the admiration of all.
