By Temisan Jemiriayegbe
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been commended for his deliberate investment in grassroots sports development as Team Edo continues to record impressive performances across various competitions.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, gave the commendation while celebrating Team Edo’s achievements at the National Open Championship in Abuja, the 4th South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament in Asaba, and the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship.
At the traditional sports championship in Abuja, Team Edo emerged overall champions with eight gold and four silver medals in Ayo, Dambe and Kokowa.
The state also recorded notable performances in the Under-13 Badminton Tournament, with Achinbong Joel winning gold in boys’ singles and mixed doubles, while Ita Bright secured gold in mixed doubles.
Enabulele also celebrated chess star Miss Omoruyi Sandra, who emerged champion in the Women’s Under-2000 Rapid and Blitz categories at the FIDE World Amateur Championship in Abuja. Sandra had earlier won gold for Team Edo at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City.
Enabulele, in a statement through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, said the achievements demonstrate the positive impact of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to talent identification and grassroots sports development.
He described the athletes’ performances as a reflection of the state’s growing sporting strength and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the Governor’s “Catch Them Young” initiative.
“Under Governor Monday Okpebholo, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to grassroots sports development. These achievements show that when young talents are identified, nurtured and supported, they can excel and bring honour to Edo State and Nigeria.
“We are proud of Team Edo and will continue to provide platforms for our athletes to develop, compete and excel,” Enabulele said.