The Para Athletics Federation of Nigeria staged a commanding performance at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, winning a total of 24 medals; 8 gold, 8 silver, and 8 bronze; in events exclusively designed for athletes with disabilities.

Fifty-six para athletes from 20 states competed across track and field categories. Their spirited displays reaffirmed the National Youth Games as not only a hub for talent discovery but also a platform for inclusion and empowerment.

Kwara State emerged the overall leader in the para athletics medal table with 4 medals (2 gold, 2 silver), followed by Akwa Ibom with 2 gold, while Abia clinched 1 gold and 2 silver to place third.

The Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed the achievements as a proud statement that para sports in Nigeria is alive and thriving, stressing the Commission’s resolve to sustain equal opportunities for athletes with special needs. He said the performance in Asaba underscored the fact that para sports have become a vital component of Nigeria’s sporting future.

Dikko further emphasized that the Commission would continue to invest in inclusive sporting platforms that give young athletes the opportunity to compete and excel, regardless of their physical condition.

“These young boys and girls have demonstrated courage, discipline, and a strong will to succeed. They deserve the full support of government and stakeholders, so that the dream of taking Nigerian para athletics to the world stage can be realized,” he said.

The Director General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the para athletes’ performance as an inspiring story of courage and consistency, assuring that government will continue to support training and facilities for para sports at the grassroots. He said the Commission is determined to ensure that para athletics receives the same visibility, recognition, and investment as able-bodied sports.

Olopade added that the Asaba 2025 experience has opened a new chapter for Nigerian sports, particularly in terms of youth engagement and inclusivity.

“Our message is simple: no Nigerian child should be left behind in sports. Whether abled or differently abled, every young athlete has a place in our programmes. What we have seen in Asaba is proof that if we provide the right structures, Nigeria can dominate para sports at continental and global levels,” he stressed.

The Director, National Sports Festival and Para Sports, Mrs

Thecla Opara added that the Federation’s outing in Asaba has given the Games a new level of visibility, proving that disability is not inability, and that Nigeria has abundant talent waiting to be nurtured.”

Although the Federation reported challenges such as late release of funds, limited medical support, and lack of disability friendly facilities, it called for greater investment to improve future editions.

The Asaba 2025 outing, however, remains a milestone for para athletics, providing a solid foundation for grooming future champions for continental and international competitions.

Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR

Director Information & PR

September 6, 2025