The reigning champions demonstrated their prowess with an impressive medal haul, accumulating five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. This outstanding performance underscored Delta's comprehensive training programs and the depth of talent within its taekwondo contingent.
A significant portion of Delta's success stemmed from its formidable performance in the Poomsae (demonstration) category. The state clinched gold medals in both the male and female team events, further demonstrating their synchronized precision and technical mastery. The pair event also saw Delta emerge victorious, highlighting their versatility across different disciplines. Individual brilliance further contributed to Delta's commanding lead, with national champions Olusola Olowookere and Kolade Paul securing gold medals in the men’s lightweight and middleweight divisions, respectively. Their victories were pivotal in propelling Delta to the top of the medal standings.
The competition was fiercely contested, with other states also demonstrating significant talent and competitive spirit. Oyo State secured a commendable second place overall, finishing with three gold, four silver, and four bronze medals. Osun State claimed the third position, earning three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Host state Ogun displayed a strong showing, placing fourth with two gold, five silver, and three bronze medals, showcasing the growing strength of taekwondo within the state. Bayelsa and Rivers States also celebrated success, each claiming two gold medals. Bayelsa, however, edged out Rivers in the overall standings due to a higher total medal count, with two silver and six bronze medals compared to Rivers' comparatively lower tally.
Victor John, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for the quality of competition witnessed at the festival. He lauded the competitiveness of the event and, more importantly, the emergence of a promising new generation of taekwondo athletes.
"I’m excited by the hunger and potential shown by the new athletes. We’ve identified several for the national camp," John remarked, highlighting the federation's commitment to nurturing raw talent. He acknowledged that while many of these athletes are still in their nascent stages, he believes that "with proper training and exposure, they can become world-class competitors."
John further emphasized the significance of the festival in evaluating the current state of taekwondo in Nigeria. "This year’s festival showcased high-quality bouts across all weight categories," he noted. He expressed optimism that the momentum generated by the festival would translate into sustained development at the state level, ultimately strengthening the national team. "We hope this momentum continues across states to build a strong national team for future events like the African Games and Olympic qualifiers," he concluded, underscoring the long-term vision for Nigerian taekwondo on the international stage.