National open table tennis championship begins December 21 in Edo
The second edition of the Pastor Charles Osazuwa National Open Table Tennis Championships will begin on December 21 at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The four-day tournament, jointly organised with Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), will feature 12 events, including an event for the deaf.
Charles Osazuwa, the sponsor and General Overseer, Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, told journalists on Sunday that the tournament would showcase the best players and upcoming talents.
Mr Osazuwa said that youths from across the nation would participate in this year’s tournament, unlike the first edition which featured only players from Edo.
“Following the success of the first edition, I decided to extend the opportunity to youths across the nation to inspire a new generation of table tennis players in the country.
“This edition of the tournament will showcase the best players and upcoming talents in the federation.
“The cash prize is a very good one and I am encouraging those that have not registered to do so,” he said.
He said that besides the cash prizes, the tournament was a way of keeping the youths off crime and other social vices.
“This development is also to support the Edo state government in engaging the youths and making sure they stay off crime.
“For the top players and new players that will be discovered during the tournament, we will train them and support them for international tournaments.
“I have long had a passion for table tennis right from an early age.
“It has also been my desire to empower youths to develop thaeir talents in the sport,” he said.
Chairman of the South-South NTTF, Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade, lauded the organiser for making the tournament open and encouraged others to emulate the sponsor.
“I am sure this edition will be a better one compared to the first edition.
“Making this edition open for all is very commendable,” he said.
Also speaking, NTTF’s national coach, Nosiru Bello, said that the federation backed the tournament because the organiser made available all that was needed for a successful event.
He added that the tournament would also promote the growth of the sport in the country.
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