Ekiti state has won its first medal in the ongoing 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games in Abeokuta, 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 to Governor Oyebanji 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.
The Technical Advisor who noted that the State Athletes are determined to win medals at the sports festival urged members of the team to remain focused
While Speaking on his feat on day one of the festival, the Bronze medalist, Abayomi Adeleye expressed joy at 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 will continue their pursuit of Gold at the Gateway 2025 games as they will participate in other weightlifting categories as well as, in 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 march part at the official opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Ogun State.
The opening ceremony which was declared open by President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shetima 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 the Ekiti contingent colourfully dressed in gold and black coloured track suits to the admiration of all.