By Francis Onoiribholo
Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicitated Team Edo athletes for their outstanding performance at the 4th Edition of the EKUS Judo Championship.
The championship which was organized by the National Judo Federation (NJF), concluded the event on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin city.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele expressed his excitement and pride in the remarkable achievements of the athletes, celebrating them for emerging overall champions across the Under-13, Under-17, and senior categories.
鈥淚 am impressed by the sterling performances of our Team Edo athletes. We finished the competition with a total of 32 medals 鈥 clinching 12 gold, 6 silver, and 14 bronze medals in both junior and senior cadet categories,鈥 Enabulele stated.
He further emphasized the importance of the event, which aims to identify and nurture young judo talents within Edo State and beyond. 鈥淭his initiative will help our athletes represent Edo and compete favorably in international competitions, especially in under-age categories,鈥 he added.
Hon. Enabulele affirmed that the success of such grassroots sports programs aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo鈥檚 vision for sports development and youth empowerment in Edo. 鈥淲e are steadily achieving this vision through our support and commitment,鈥 he said.
He also commended the NJF for their dedication to developing the sport and reaffirmed the state鈥檚 commitment to providing platforms that enable young talents to thrive.
鈥淎s a government, we remain committed to supporting our young athletes to excel. We encourage others to organize sports competitions, as these events not only discover promising talents but also serve to prevent social vices, foster discipline, teamwork, and personal growth,鈥 he declared.