No fewer than 131 junior players have registered for the 3rd edition of the 2019 Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora serving off on Thursday at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Fem Shittu, President of the Ex-Squash Pro Diaspora, told the Nigeria News Agency in Lagos that the three-day tournament would include U-13, U-16 and U-45 categories.
According to him, the focus of the tournament is to ensure that squash at the grassroots is developed to groom upcoming talents.
the Ex-Squash Pro Diaspora was formed by former professional squash players based abroad, who decided to give back to the sport that gave them so much.
“I believe there is a lot to be done, we just need to take things one step at a time, this is the third edition, which should assure you all of our commitment toward the development of squash.
When asked if the tournament would not interfere with junior players’ school curriculum, the Tournament Director, Yusuf Durosinlorun, said the sponsors decided when the tournament would take place.
“Most of the ex-pros in the diaspora rarely have time to participate in this tournament, November is the only time they are chanced, so, we don’t have a choice.
“We also ensure that we do not exceed more than two days, so they will only miss school for two days, but we are still trying to ensure that we regulate our programme to suit the sponsors and the players,” he said.
The tournament would serve-off at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere from Nov. 14 to Nov 16.