The 2024 Lagos ValueJet Para Table Tennis Open wrapped up on November 9 at Lagos’s Teslim Balogun Stadium, with hosts Nigeria and visiting Iraq each taking home six gold medals.
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The competition, organized by the Sunday Odebode Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and sponsored by ValueJet, showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship.
The three-day event, an ITTF-sanctioned Factor 20 tournament, welcomed athletes from the United Kingdom, Iraq, Iran, and several African nations, including Cameroon, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
Participants competed across singles and doubles events, demonstrating remarkable skill and resilience.
The tournament’s highlight came during the Men’s Singles Class 3-4 final when Iraq’s Muntadher Al Sarraji stunned the crowd with a 3-2 win over Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medalist, Isau Ogunkunle.
The nail-biting match ended 13-11 in the final game, capturing the attention of attendees, including African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Deputy Alfred Bagueka, and ValueJet Chairman Kunle Soname.
The event earned high praise from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who highlighted the tournament’s significance in showcasing resilience and talent.
“Our athletes continue to break boundaries, proving that physical limitations cannot constrain the boundless potential within each individual,” he said.
“This tournament is not only a celebration of skill and competition but also an inspiring reminder of the strength, resilience, and courage that define our athletes.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu added that the tournament provides Nigerian athletes a platform to elevate their rankings and compete globally.
He acknowledged the crucial role of partnerships with international bodies like the ITTF and ATTF in enhancing the tournament’s standards.
Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), expressed optimism about the tournament’s future: “We are thrilled that the tournament continues to grow by leaps and bounds… attracting more players worldwide.”
With both athletes and organizers anticipating next year’s event, the 2024 Lagos ValueJet Para Table Tennis Open has solidified its place as a crucial stage for para table tennis in Africa and beyond.
