By Femi Atolagbe

Hardwork, intensive training were adduced as the reasons for Ondo State dominating Badminton at the youth cadre in Nigeria.
The state Badminton coach, Tumise Olalehin said the state will continue its domination for a long period of time, saying about three new athletes were in Ilorin with the team Ondo to understudy their senior in preparation for next youth games.
He added that the current gold medalists have played their last youth games, they will be promoted to senior cadre by representing the state at the next National Sports Festival slated for Delta State next year.
Olalehin stated this in a chat with Sporting Hope after his players won two gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the just conclude National Youth Games held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to him, the medalists are now national players, they have been registered to join national camp because of their exceptional performance at the 6th National Youth Games.
Their promotion would not create any vacuum, because we always discover, groom our athletes from the cradle, we have bank of young athletes that can fit into their spaces .
He reiterated that three young athletes followed them to Ilorin to study the games and that was how we have been doing it over the years.
He said the next National Sports Festival would herald new stars in Ondo state saying the newly promoted young athletes are full of energy and skills in the game. Sports is not about age but ability to deliver, preparation for the Festival has begun and I can assure the sports loving people of the state that Badminton will be part of Ondo State’s medals haul.
He thanked state government, sports council and parents of the athletes for their support and encouragement which he said keeping them going.