The Minister for Sports Development, John Enoh, represented by the Director of Grassroots Sports Development in the Ministry, Patrick Okeke, announced the adjustment during the just concluded Joint Technical Committee Meeting of the Games at the Steven Keshi International Stadium Asaba, venue of the next Games.
Enoh said the date was brought back by one day due to the Edo State gubernatorial elections scheduled for September 21, which would lead to a total lockdown and restriction of movement.
He said if the earlier date was sustained, it would see various contingents from the South-West who would pass through Edo State on their way back to their states violating the restriction order.
The Minister also revealed that the zonal eliminations would commence on August 28 and end on September 1, while registration will be done online from August 24 to 28.
He, however, thanked the Delta State Government for its commitment towards cadet sports development, saying the state has shown its readiness to host the rest of Nigeria again.
The Minister appealed that the little renovation work spotted during the inspection of the various facilities be attended to swiftly to ensure a hitch-free Games.
The 8th edition of the National Youth Games will have athletes not older than 15 years vie for medals in 36 sports at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, which hosted the last edition won by Delta State.