Over 350 players for N4.5m national table tennis tourney

Over 350 players will battle for the N4.5million prize money at the 2021 Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) National Championships which begins today, May 18 to Saturday, May 22 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Addressing the press on Monday, the tournament Director, Adesoji Tayo said the aim of the competition is to sustain the momentum which started from the 20th National Sports Festival and the just concluded 14th Aso Cup held in Abuja.

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Giving a breakdown of the five day event, Tayo said 14 states and 16 clubs would be participating in 12 events at the championship.

In a chat with Daily Trust, he said “There will be 22 teams for men and 14 teams for women. In the men’s singles, 86 players will be participating and 49 in the women’s singles.

“As for the U-21 boys singles, 76 players will be participating and 43 in the girls U-21 singles. In the cadet (under 14) category, 59 boys and 35 girls will feature in the singles. Veterans are expected to perform at the tourney as well.

“It is going to be explosive as players will compete in 12 events in cadet, U-21, senior, and veterans. The icing on the cake is the total purse for the champion which for us will motivate the players to want to go for the top prize.

“We are going to ensure that COVID-19 protocol is adhered to throughout the tournament,” said Tayo.

The NTTF Care-taker Committee chairman, Ishaku Tikon expressed confidence that more Aruna Quadris, Olufunke Oshonaikes and Segun Toriolas would be discovered at the end of the championship.

The Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Olabanji Oladapo also lauded NTTF and Lagos for deeming it fit to stage the tournament to keep the players busy.

The NOC chieftain also urged the players to give their best in order to be called up to the national camp.