Lagos State is gearing up to host the 2024 WTT Contender, a prestigious table tennis tournament, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.
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This year’s event promises to be a spectacle, with top athletes from around the world, including a strong Indian contingent led by Commonwealth Games champion Sharath Achanta.
Achanta, a legend in Indian table tennis and a 10-time national champion, is excited about the tournament as he prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Joining him in Lagos will be Harmeet Desai, a semifinalist in last year’s WTT Contender Lagos, as well as Manav Thakkar and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran.
The Indian women’s squad, spearheaded by world No. 24 Manika Batra, will also be competing. Batra is India’s top female table tennis player and is expected to provide a significant challenge to her competitors. She will be joined by Sreeja Akula, Yashaswini Ghorpade, Archana Kamath, and Sutirtha Mukherjee, all aiming for top honors in Lagos.
Defending champion Shin Yubin of South Korea, who triumphed in 2023, will return to defend her title. With Lagos being one of her successful venues, Yubin will be keen to replicate her previous success. However, with formidable opponents like Batra, the competition is expected to be intense.
Beyond the thrilling table tennis action, Lagos offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can explore the National Museum, the iconic Eko Atlantic City, and the vibrant nightlife of Victoria Island. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tarkwa Bay Beach and Lekki Conservation Centre provide a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The local cuisine, a delightful fusion of African and international flavors, adds to the city’s charm.
The WTT Contender Lagos 2024 will feature a total prize pool of $80,000 and 400 ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking Points for the champions. As Lagos welcomes the world’s top table tennis players, the city is set to shine on the global stage, offering both exciting sports action and a taste of its unique culture.
