The Federal Government has announced plans to reassess the age limit for the National Youth Games in its next iteration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this announcement during the opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, known as Asaba 2024. Represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, the President indicated that the review of the under-fifteen age limit is necessary due to the decline in the nation’s athletes’ performance on the global stage.
The current age restriction is impacting athlete participation. The National Youth Games aim to identify and nurture young talent, and revising the age limit is seen as crucial for these objectives.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, calling for a framework that supports not just talent identification but also the comprehensive development of athletes from the grassroots to elite levels. He highlighted the role of grassroots sports in promoting national unity and peace.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori echoed these sentiments, promising that his administration will continue to provide opportunities for youth to showcase their talents. He expressed hope that the games will uncover new talent and pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to achieve the competition’s goals. The Governor also expressed concern about the recent decline in sports performance, noting the poor results at the last Olympics in Paris, and underscored the need to strengthen inter-house sports in schools.
Governor Oborevwori reported that over 6,000 athletes and 1,159 officials have been cleared to participate in this year’s games, calling it a historic event.
Chief Solomon Ogba, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, welcomed the participants and urged them to compete with integrity, adhere to the rules, and embody the spirit of fair play.
