The maiden edition of the North Central Zone Boys and Girls Table Tennis Championship served up with excitement as emerging talent as young players and professional from across the region converged at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, for a spirited display of skill, sportsmanship, and passion.
The openning ceremony of the table tennis championship had in attendance; the sponsor of the Barrister Hamidu Ali Ibrahim who was represented by Ambassador Zakari Ifu, the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Ishaku Tikon, Zonal coordinator North Central, in the National Sports Commission NSC Saka Hakim, and other invited guests.
The championship brought together promising male and female table tennis players from all six states in the North Central region — including Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau — and the Federal Capital Territory, with six players (3 male and 3 female) from each state.
Addressing, invited guests, players and officials at the opening ceremony the Sponsor of the event, Barrister Hamidu Ali Ibrahim, represented by Ambassador Zakari, welcome everyone to the meiden edition of the tournament, to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and competition and friendship:
“Its a delight that all the states in the zone are represented in this tournament so it shows that it shows the importance of which you attach to this tournament so he said i should welcome you uh as you all aware this is the main edition of the north central zone uh for the table tennis we are gathered here today to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and competition and friendship. So all of us are invited to show that spirit while we engage in this competition. I should let you know that Table Tennis is a game, it’s a sport that requires skill, strategy and dedication”.
Barrister Hamidu Ali Ibrahim also said
“The tournament was designed to foster unity, promote youth participation in sports, and discover raw talents that could be groomed for national and international competitions.”
Speaking at the event, the Zonal coordinator North Central Zone, Saka Hakim, commended the sponsor and the organizers for the initiative.
” I want to commend the effort of the sponsor for this wonderful program. It takes a man who has passion for sport to commit to resources without expecting any profit. He meant to give to the youth, which is a good idea. This is what the government has clamoured for. We need sponsors for our sport. The government alone cannot do it. So I do really want to commend his effort. He has done well. God will continue to replenish his pocket. The organisers, they’ve really put up a good programme here. The players, I can say that it is your day, it is your game. Exhibit your talent. Let’s see good sporting skill in you”
President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Ishaku Tikon, was delighted to part of the maiden edition and commended the initiative and pledge support for its continuity.
“the North Central, we have to thank you for what you have been doing in the Zoom. As the president of Nigeria’s Indigenous Federation, all the Zones in Nigeria are my children. And I recognize with that particular Zone that will come out with a sponsor of this magnitude, it’s not easy with the current situation in the country for one person to come on and bring all the states in the zone, seven states in the North Central Zone. It is a thing of joy and I as the president have to identify with this very championship, and that is why I’m here. “
The two-day tournament will have a winner go home with a trophy and a cash gift of ₦200,000,
and the runners-up will receive a cash prize of ₦100,000.
In addition to the prize money, the sponsorship also covers accommodation, feeding, and transportation costs for all participants.
