The upcoming National Sports Festival, the 22nd edition, is scheduled to be held in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025. While the host state is Ogun, eyes will also be on the contestants from Plateau State. They prepare to compete for medals and national recognition.
Plateau State has a history of participation in the National Sports Festival. Their athletes have often showcased remarkable talent across various sporting events. In the previous edition, Edo 2020 (held in 2021), Plateau State finished in the 13th position on the medals table. They secured 8 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medals, totaling 37 medals. This demonstrates the state’s potential and the caliber of athletes it possesses.
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Plateau State’s Preparations:
According to recent reports, Plateau State is actively preparing its athletes for the upcoming festival. The Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Plateau State has emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of the athletes. Also recognizing it as a crucial factor for their optimal performance. Athletes are reportedly in various training camps, gearing up for the competitions.
Furthermore, Plateau State hosted the North Central Zonal Elimination for team sports in Jos in February 2025. This signifies the state’s active involvement in the preliminary stages of the festival. It also provided an opportunity for their teams to qualify for the main event in Ogun State. While Plateau State participated in most of the team sports during the zonal eliminations, they reportedly did not field teams in Abula and Cricket. The outcomes of these zonal qualifications will determine which team sports from Plateau State will be represented at the National Sports Festival.
Expectations for Team Plateau:
Given their past performances and the reported commitment to athletes’ welfare. There are expectations that Team Plateau will aim for an improved show at the 22nd National Sports Festival. The specific sports where Plateau State has a “comparative advantage” and medal hopes are likely to be a key focus for the state’s contingent. While the exact sports have not been explicitly stated in the available information, their performance in events like athletics, taekwondo, and other sports where they have historically excelled will be closely watched.
The National Sports Festival serves as a platform not only for competition but also for fostering national unity and discovering budding talents. Plateau State’s participation contributes to this national objective. This brings together athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship.
As the festival dates draw closer, sports enthusiasts in Plateau State and across the nation will be keen to see how Team Plateau fares. Whether they can surpass their previous achievements on the national stage. The dedication of the athletes and the support from the state government will undoubtedly play a significant role in their success at the “Gateway 2025” National Sports Festival.