Date: 2017-09-09

The head coach of Delta State weightlifting, Emmanuel Oshoma is sure the four athletes representing Team Delta in the event will be able to produce some medals, as the state looks set to defend its title at the third National Youth Games in Ilorin.

At the maiden edition of the games in 2013 at Abuja, weightlifting was one of the sports that catapulted Team Delta to the top, as the state captured a total of 20 gold, eight silvers and eight medals.

At the second edition held in Ilorin two years ago, weightlifting was left out, but Team Delta was able to withstand the heat, finishing top with nine gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals.

With the return of weightlifting for the third edition, Oshoma believes Team Delta will emerge champions again.Speaking with The Guardian yesterday after the screening of the various state contingents, Oshoma said: "I am happy weightlifting is making a return to the Games. Each state is allowed to present two boys and two girls for the weightlifting event, but I must say that nobody can boast of winning more medals now because the sport has been sleeping. We are just meeting for the first time after a long while. Whatever happens at the end of the day, I am sure Delta weightlifters should be among the medalists."

For the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa, determination and months of preparation of his athletes should be able to see Team Delta winning the National Youth Games for the third time.

The National Youth Games is open for athletes under 17 years of age, and Okowa is sure his technical officials selected athletes who are within the age blanket for the Games.

"All the athletes we are parading in the games reside in Delta State. There is no room for Delta indigenes living outside the state. Also, we made sure the athletes are students in various secondary schools in the state," Okowa stated.The third National Youth Games will end on September 17.