The inaugural North Central Table Tennis Championship, orchestrated by Shaibu Mohammed, reached an exhilarating conclusion as Kwara and Kogi emerged as the standout states, leaving spectators captivated by the showcased talent during the two-day event.
With a robust participation of 78 players from seven North Central states – Benue, FCT Abuja, Plateau, Nassarawa, Kwara, Niger, and the host state, Kogi – the championship stood as a gathering of the region’s premier table tennis enthusiasts.
Team Kwara claimed dominance on the podium, securing gold in men’s singles, women’s singles, Cardet boys singles, and obtaining silver in the Cardet girls singles category.
Simultaneously, the host state, Kogi, demonstrated its prowess with gold in Cadet girls singles, silver in men’s singles, women’s singles, and Cardet boys singles.
The championship’s sponsor, Mr. Shaibu Mohammed, expressed satisfaction with the event’s organization and lauded the commitment exhibited by both the host state and the Table Tennis Association.
Addressing the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, he commended the collaborative efforts that contributed to the tournament’s success.
Mohammed underscored the broader mission of the championship, emphasizing its role in discovering and nurturing latent talents.
He announced plans for an annual recurrence, highlighting the crucial role of partnerships, especially in terms of sponsorship, to sustain and enhance its impact.
As the championship concluded, Mohammed urged athletes and coaches to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship and professionalism displayed during the competition.
He stressed the importance of self-development, consistent practice, and unwavering dedication to inspire both present and future athletes.
Acknowledging the championship’s significance, Friday Abbah, the head coach of Kogi Table Tennis team, deemed it a pioneering event in the state.
He called on well-meaning individuals in Kogi and across Nigeria to contribute to sports development, recognizing the potential of such events to shape the future of aspiring athletes.
In his earlier 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.
Highlighting the visionary aspect of the tournament, Oparah underscored its potential to shape the future of table tennis in the North Central region.
Notably, he advocated for a shift in attention from football to other sports, stressing the untapped potential and myriad benefits of investing in a diverse range of athletic disciplines.
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.
With the successful conclusion of the North Central Table Tennis Championship, all eyes are now on future editions, anticipating not only the celebration of current champions but also the establishment of a lasting legacy in the world of table tennis in the region.
