By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Executive Governor of Anambra State, has called on athletes and officials of Team Anambra to surpass her previous record at the upcoming 8th National Youth Games (NYG) scheduled to hold at Asaba, Capital of Delta State from 9th to 19th September, 2024.

Gov. Soludo made the charge on Monday, 9th September 2024 at the Arch. Bishop Obiefuna Retreat Centre Okpuno while addressing the state delegation just before their departure on Monday afternoon.

Gov. Soludo who was represented by his Confidential Secretary, Hon. Nonso Anozie stated that his administration is poised in promoting sports development in the state by ensuring that the state athletes attend Inter State Sporting Activities such as the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival. He reminded the athletes that they are representing the light of the nation as ambassadors and should put in their very best to achieve success and surpass their previous records at the games.

Gov. Soludo said: "My administration is poised in promoting sports development in the state by ensuring that our teeming talented youths and athletes participate in Inter State Sporting Activities such as the National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games.

"I assure you of my support at the games and I challenge you to surpass your previous records by being at your best and putting the state first in all your activities while at the games. May I also appreciate the officials and coaches for a great job in raising these caliber of athletes for the games. I wish you a good outing and successful journey to Asaba," Soludo said.

On his part, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Patrick Estate Onyedum assured Gov. Soludo of the team's commitment in ensuring they make the state proud at the 8th NYG. He informed that the contingent is ready and poised to surpass her previous record of 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 12 Bronze medals achieved in the last edition of the games.

Team Anambra contingent to the 8th NYG is comprising of 124 athletes and 47 officials. 

The state contingent will feature in 17 sporting events namely Athletics, Ayo, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, Cricket, Judo, Karate, Scrabble, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu Kung fu, Taekwondo and Table Tennis.