Kwara State has won the maiden edition of North Central table tennis championship.
The competition which was held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital had 78 players from seven North Central states Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) displaying their skills in the two days event.
The championship which proved to be a gathering of the region’s finest table tennis enthusiasts saw Kwara State winning gold in the men’s singles, women’s singles, Cadet boys singles, and securing silver in the Cadet girls singles category.
Meanwhile, the host state, Kogi, showcased its prowess by securing gold in Cadet girls singles, silver in men’s singles, women’s singles, and cadet boys singles.
The sponsor of the tennis championship Mr. Shaibu Mohammed, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the tournament, noting that, it was time for all stakeholders to join hands in pulling youths out of the street through sports.
While noting that, the broader mission of the championship is to discover and nurture raw talents that would represent Nigeria in both national and international competitions, Mohammed admonished athletes and coaches to always maintain the spirit of sportsmanship and professionalism in all competition.
He stressed the importance of self-development, consistency in practice, and unwavering dedication to inspire both present and future athletes.
Speaking during an interview, the head coach of Kogi State Table Tennis team, Friday Abbah, called on well-meaning individuals in the State and across Nigeria to contribute to sports development, recognizing the potential for such events to shape the future of aspiring athletes.
Earlier In his speech, Oparah, a notable figure in the sports community, praised the tournament’s dedication to creating a platform for aspiring talents, particularly in the realm of table tennis.
Expressing his perspective on the championship, Oparah emphasized its continuity as an ongoing effort aimed at discovering and encouraging the next generation of tennis players.
He said, the visionary aspect of the tournament was underscored, highlighting its potential to shape the future of table tennis in the North Central region.
In a heartening response, Ize Sezou, one of Kogi’s promising rising talents, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and organizers for providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills.
She pledged that the exposure gained during the championship would serve as motivation for her and her peers to continue honing their abilities.