By Femi Atolagbe

Team Ondo has clinched a gold medal in the traditional game of Abula, ending their search for the coveted metal at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, holding at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Team Ondo defeated Delta State 3-1 in the Abula mixed doubles final to secure their first gold medal, while they settled for silver in the male event after losing 2-3 to Bayelsa State.

The Sunshine State also bagged a bronze medal in volleyball after falling to Plateau State in the semi-finals.

In a chat with newsmen, Ondo State Abula Coach, Olajide Ojo, expressed delight over the gold medal, noting that the game was a tough contest.

“We are not going to relent; we will continue to work very hard and ensure we recruit more players to fortify our team.

“We lost to Bayelsa in the male event final because they were the better side,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the victory because the game was very tight. With the help of God, we came out victorious.”

The General Manager of the State’s Sports Council, Mr. Sunday Fagite, also expressed joy that the ‘Abula’ mixed doubles team delivered the state’s first gold at the biennial national competition.

He expressed optimism that Team Ondo would win more gold medals in wrestling, stating that some of the state’s athletes had already qualified for the finals in their respective events.

According to him, “This is my happiest day, and I thank our sports-loving governor for his support. We thank God that our first gold came from Abula.”