Governor Monday Okpebholo’s investment in grassroots sports development is yielding impressive results, with Team Edo recording outstanding performances across major competitions in Abuja and Asaba.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, commended the Governor’s commitment to talent identification and grassroots sports development 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 National Open Championship in Abuja, Team Edo emerged overall champions in traditional sports, winning eight gold and four silver medals across Ayo, Dambe and Kokowa.
The state also recorded impressive results at the 4th South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament in Asaba, where Achinbong Joel won gold in the boys’ singles and mixed doubles events, while Ita Bright also secured gold in mixed doubles.
Edo’s success extended to the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in Abuja, where chess star Miss Omoruyi Sandra emerged champion in the Women’s Under-2000 Rapid and Blitz categories. Sandra had earlier won gold for Team Edo at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City.
Enabulele, in a statement issued through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, said the athletes’ achievements were evidence of the positive impact of Governor Okpebholo’s deliberate investment in grassroots sports and talent development.
He said the performances demonstrated Edo’s growing strength in sports 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.
