By Daily sports on April 6, 2021

Downpour, on Monday, disrupted some activities at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin.

The rain, which started around 4:45 pm forced officials of the sporting fiesta to halt some outdoor games including swimming and tennis among others.

Meanwhile, Edo has won the gold medal of the six-aside cricket event at the festival tagged Edo 2020.

Edo beat Kwara and Lagos to silver and bronze medals respectively.

Also, Rachael Tonjo, the record holder in the swimming event won gold medal for the hosting state.

Tonjo, who is an Olympian told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it had been her dream winning the most prestigious medal.

“That was my dream all through preparation and I am happy my dream has come true.

“It is not easy training every time. I have been training for long. You know the games suffered several postponements,” she said.

The gold medalist, who noted that she had represented the country at various international sport events, said she hoped to win gold medal at world sport event soon.

“I have represented Nigeria at international sporting events like All African games.

”I have been to Olympic just like they announced. I was in Brazil in 2016; West African competition.

“My hope for some years to come is to win gold medal at world sports event,” Tonjo said.

Team Delta had on Monday opened the gate for medal rush with gold from the 80km road race for women at the festival.

Ese Ukpeseraye beat 12 other cyclists to cross the finish line and clinch the first gold medal at the games ongoing in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Host state Edo settled for the silver and bronze medals when Ayuba sisters – Comfort and Grace – came second and third respectively.

Elsewhere, Team Bayelsa sent a clear statement of intent after winning three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals from swimming.

Ifiemi Gagbe got the campaign going as she won the gold medal in 100 meters freestyle in swimming, while Golden Ifie made it two just as Yellow Yeighya completed the hat-trick of gold medals in the men’s 200m freestyle events.

Earlier, Doutimi Gagbe settled for the bronze medal in 200 meters Butterfly Stroke event.

Team Bayelsa also won two gold medals and a bronze in Judo to cap a memorable opening day of action at the NSF.

Ese Bassey and Selere Mathias got gold medals while Udeze Amarachi had bronze.

•Based on reports by NAN and Channels TV. Photo taken on April 5, 2021 shows cyclists preparing for the Women 80km road race at the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Source Daily sports

Posted April 6, 2021

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