The Southeast zonal elimination for the 9th National Youth Games ended yesterday in Enugu, and it has signaled the countdown to the Games scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State capital from August 26 to September 6.

The zonal elimination which was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Sports Complex and among the sports contested for were Abula, baseball/Softball, basketball, beach volleyball, cricket, football, handball, hockey, Rugby and volleyball.

With the conclusion of the zonal elimination across the country, the number of athletes and officials expected to participate in the 9th NYG is expected to emerge later this week.

Meanwhile, the Southeast Coordinator, National Sports Commission, Benard Ezeama has identified funding, sportsmanship, infrastructure, manpower, as well as lack of school sports activities , as part of challenges hampering the development and growth of sports in the zone.

On the issue of state boycotting participation of the NYG as result of paucity of funds, the NSC senior official warned the Commission will not spare any state found wanting in that situation, stressing that there will be heavy fines and sanctions.

Recall that Team Delta has won all editions of the championships since its inception in 2015.