By Leo Zwànke, Lafia
The second edition of the Shaibu D. Mohammed North-Central Zonal Table Tennis Championship commenced on Friday at the Lafia Sports Arena in Nasarawa State. The two-day event, a collaboration between the Nasarawa State Government and tournament sponsor Shaibu D. Mohammed, brings together top table tennis players from Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Niger States, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, officially opened the championship. He underscored its importance for youth empowerment and sports development, stating, “This championship reflects our commitment to promoting sports and empowering young people in the North-Central Zone. It provides an opportunity for our youth to showcase their talents and develop their skills.”
Shaibu D. Mohammed, the sponsor and key organizer, expressed his passion for the sport and his goal of reviving table tennis in the region. He said, “Table tennis was my childhood sport, and it’s disheartening to see it decline in our zone. This tournament aims to revive the sport and discover hidden talents to nurture into global stars.”
He also praised Nasarawa for its “serenity, security, hospitality, and world-class facilities,” adding that the state’s environment was conducive for hosting the championship.
The North-Central Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Saka Akeem, commended the event as an example of successful public-private collaboration. “This competition is a step toward discovering table tennis greats like Aruna Quadri and Olufunke Oshonaike,” he said.
The championship features various categories, including Senior Men, Junior Male and Female (U-14 to U-18), and Cadet Boys and Girls (ages 10-13). The winners will receive cash prizes: ₦50,000 for Bronze Medalists, ₦100,000 for Silver Medalists, and ₦200,000 for Gold Medalists.
To ensure a smooth experience for participants, the organizers have provided transportation, accommodation, and feeding allowances for the 56 participants, which include six players, a coach, and a Director of Sports from each state.
The event’s opening ceremony featured an exhibition match between Hon. Jafaru Ango and Shaibu Mohammed, with the Commissioner narrowly defeating the sponsor 10-9.
The championship continues on Saturday, with finalists set to be crowned and celebrated for their achievements in promoting sports excellence in the region.
