The Ondo State contingent at the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival continued its impressive outings, with para-powerlifter Kayode Blessing winning gold in the 65kg category.

The victory added to the medal haul of the state, making it two gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

On day two of the competition on Friday in Uyo, the Ondo State male team in the volleyball event defeated their Imo State counterpart 2-0, which made them qualify for the semi-finals of the competition after beating the host state, Akwa Ibom, 2-0.

However, the female volleyball team of Ondo State was defeated by Akwa Ibom girls 2-0 in the second match of the competition after losing their first game with the same margin to Rivers.

Also, in the handball event, Ondo State girls lost their first game 8-9 to Edo while bouncing back in the second game to defeat Rivers girls 16-0 in the second game.

The Ondo State Volleyball Head Coach, Sina Afuye, said he was happy with the results of the boys, saying the girls would come back stronger.

Mr Afuye said the team was formed for the competition and was proud of the performance of both teams.

“We have a good team on both sides and I am sure we have exposed them to a standard competition, and I am sure going forward, the confidence is there, and talents are being discovered,” he stated.

Also, powerlifter Kayode Blessing said he was proud to have won a gold medal for the state in the game of powerlifting.

Mr Blessing said he was sure that the state would do well in the overall competition by the end of the game.

Meanwhile, in the game of tennis, two of Ondo State players, Imole Adisa and Henry Aina, are also in the semi-finals after defeating Henry Nwosu from Abia 4-2, 4-0 and Uche Stanley 4-0, 4-0, respectively.

(NAN)