Athlete advocates modern equipment to enhance wheelchair tennis performance
Alex Adewale, a wheelchair tennis player, has called for the support of philanthropists and other sports stakeholders for the provision of medical equipment for athletes.
He said that the equipment would enable them to compete favourably with their counterparts at local and international competitions.
Mr Adewale made the call in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja.
He attributed Nigeria’s defeat at the 2024 BNP Paribas World Team Cup wheelchair tennis African qualifying in Abuja to a lack of modern equipment.
Mr Adewale said support from philanthropists, non-governmental organisations and individuals would go a long way towards enhancing wheelchair tennis players’ performance.
“Nigeria wheelchair tennis players always do well and would perform better if they had modern equipment.
“ Watching us play on the court shows that we have the same forehand and backhand stroke techniques, but we lack modern equipment.
“ This is our shortcoming, and that is why our opponents are always ahead of us at tournaments,” he said.
He said that for Nigeria’s wheelchair tennis to advance, there was a need for the provision of modern equipment.
“As you can see, these are not just typical wheelchairs that you can purchase from any store.
“ You must visit the company making the equipment and make a specific request for the player.
He said that the wheelchair tennis federation cannot provide this equipment alone, hence the need for support.
Mr Adewale said that there are talented players being discovered that need to be groomed for the future, but because of a lack of modern equipment, it would be difficult.
“ I have no doubt that we will do better if we are provided with modern equipment,” he said.
Nigeria came in third in both men and women events at the 2024 BNP Paribas World Team Cup wheelchair tennis African qualifying.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda and Tanzania in both categories.
South Africa’s men’s and women’s teams secured tickets to represent Africa at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Turkiye from May 7 to May 12.
(NAN)
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