Delta 2022 was applauded by Okowa.

Tonobok Okowa, co-Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the ongoing National Sports Festival, has downplayed the state’s brilliant start on the medals table of the games.

Delta State athletes had won over 80 medals, including 43 gold medals, as of last night, while Ogun and Oyo, which are in second and third place, had yet to win up to 10 gold medals each.

Rather than congratulating the host state on its progress, Okowa insisted that winning medals was not unusual for Team Delta.

He claimed that the LOC was more concerned with the overall operation of the games in Asaba than with the results posted by the state’s contingent.

“We have prepared so well for the games and we believe we have athletes good enough to give a good fight. Delta is used to producing excellent results anywhere, but we have a greater responsibility here.

“We are more concerned with making everyone feel at home so they can compete in a positive environment because it’s a big task to have 36 states and Abuja in Asaba for the Sports Festival.

“We are making every effort to make the event run smoothly. Although the facilities are there, staging a large event like this involves many other logistics. Since we recently hosted the African Athletics Championship, we are capable of handling our own Olympics.

“The LOC’s priority is to put on a good show all the way until December 10; winning the games in the end will just be icing on the cake.”

Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, which began on November 30 and runs until December 10 in Asaba, Nigeria.