Delta grabs first gold medal, Edo, Rivers cyclists disqualified

Running tracks at a stadium

Team Delta, yesterday, picked its first gold medal at the 21st National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State.

The Deltan cyclists beat three other states, Oyo, Plateau and Lagos to emerge winners in the 12km mixed relay decided on Ibusa Road yesterday.

While Delta won in 35mins 41.84secs, Oyo got silver in 37 minutes 29.84 and Plateau cyclists grabbed bronze in 39 minutes 38.61secs. Lagos finished fourth in 40minutes 02.04secs

Two other states, Edo and Rivers were disqualified for their inability to present the minimum three female cyclists required for the event, the Technical Director, Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Bashir Mohammed, disclosed to journalists yesterday.

Cycling, the first event of the 21st National Sports Festival, took place before the official opening ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium yesterday evening.

Delta is the defending champion of the festival, having finished on top of the medals table at the Edo 2020 edition held in Benin City.

It will be recalled that Delta State has won a record seven times in nine appearances.

Follow Us