Team Imo capped a spirited campaign at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba with a 16-medal haul (3 gold, 8 silver, 5 bronze), a performance that highlighted the state’s rising profile in grassroots sports under the stewardship of the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha.
The state’s golden moments came in boys’ cricket, where Imo swept past rivals to claim the T6 title on the final day, alongside victories in shooting mixed doubles and Abula female, pushing the gold tally to three.
Imo’s silver medals cut across multiple sports. Onasanya Samuel delivered in the 80km cycling road race, while Victory Iwuoha picked up two podium finishes in weightlifting. Grace Ebochukwu impressed in darts, with Amarachi Blessing Nkwocha and Chizoba Ohaka shining in para table tennis doubles. Ojike Caleb also stood out in para powerlifting, while the cricket and abula male settled for silver finishes.
The bronze column was equally spread, with medals from Metu Chhinonso (boxing, 51kg), Umeyo Munachi (kokowa), as well as additional podiums in weightlifting, kickboxing, and rugby—a reflection of Imo’s growing versatility across disciplines.
Commissioner Onyeocha, who has championed a clean-sport policy, grassroots talent hunts, and instant rewards for medalists, praised the athletes for their resilience. “This outing shows that with proper structures, our young talents can compete with the best. Imo is building champions for today and tomorrow,” he said.
While Lagos, Delta, and Edo claimed the top three spots nationally, Imo’s 16 medals signal steady progress and potential. The Eastern Heartland departs Asaba with a deeper pool of tested athletes and the confidence that more podium finishes lie ahead.
