Neighbouring countries Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and host Nigeria are expected to be part of this year’s Valuejet Lagos Regional Para Table Tennis Championship, which kicks off on Wednesday, July 9 to 11 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
Speaking at the press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, July 8, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) Sunday Odebode said the tournament was aimed at developing the sport across the West African region, as the tournament also serves as qualifiers for the maiden West African Paralympic Games in September.
“We are so excited that the tournament continues to take a new direction every year, and for us, we feel it is important to grow the sport in the region as Nigeria continues to dominate the region.
“Making it a regional event this year is aimed at helping other neighbouring countries to grow the sport, as we are expecting teams from Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic. This is another opportunity for the players to also showcase themselves through this kind of tournament. We have over 33 events in men and women including doubles and mixed doubles as it promises to be exciting for the next three days,” Odebode said.
In his remarks, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission Lekan Fatodu, said with the hosting of the tournament, Lagos has continued to establish itself as the hub of table tennis in Africa.
“We are so happy to host this competition again because we have continued to put Lagos on the world map with the regular hosting of table tennis tournaments and staging the para event shows our inclusiveness in Lagos. We wish all the participants best of luck and we look forward to an exciting event this year,” Fatodu said.
The Chief Operating Officer of ITTF Africa, Kweku Tandoh lauded Valuejet for keeping faith with their continued support of the tournament while lauding the PCN President for his commitment to raising the profile of para table tennis in Nigeria with the consistent staging of the competition.
For Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist Isau Ogunkunle, the tournament launched him to limelight while hoping that more players would come through this year.
“My career today would not have been possible without this tournament and I must admit that it was through this competition that I was discovered to actualise my dream which I am yet to achieve despite the bronze medal in Paris. I am looking forward to seeing new players coming through this year’s edition,” Ogunkunle said.
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