30 teams compete for Africa's first mixed t'tennis title

About 150 players from 30 clubs in Africa, including Togo and the Benin Republic, began hostilities for the prize pool of N5.5m, at the second Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships on Thursday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The three-day championship is the first mixed team tournament of its kind in Africa, hosted by the senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Mukhail Abiru.

Speaking at the press conference to kick-start the tournament, Senator Abiru emphasised that the initiative aligns with his broader philosophy of youth development.

“Our youth development philosophy goes beyond classrooms and computer labs. The discipline, focus, and teamwork that make great innovators are the same traits that define great athletes. It was on this belief that we launched the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships in 2024—the first of its kind in Africa, as a platform to celebrate excellence, inclusion, and community spirit through sports,” he said.

President of the African Table Tennis Federation, Enitan Oshodi, commended Senator Abiru for his unwavering support and sponsorship of the tournament.

“We are grateful to the senator for his commitment to youth development and for keeping his promise to continue staging this event. We hope more stars will emerge from this tournament as we look forward to exciting matches over the next three days,” Oshodi said.

President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Adesoji Tayo, praised the tournament as a bold and innovative step in African table tennis.

“I am proud to share that in 2024, Nigeria became the first African nation to host this prestigious event. This milestone reflects our country’s readiness and the proactive efforts of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation in preparing for qualification and participation in both the 2025 World Mixed Team Cup in Chengdu and the 2028 Olympics,” he said.

“This year’s tournament features 30 teams, including Nigeria’s top players and two invited international teams. It promises to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration of table tennis, showcasing the sport’s spirit of unity, diversity, and dynamism. It also serves as a platform to identify and nurture young talent for future international competitions,” he said.

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