Nigeria is gearing up for the race to the Paris 2024 Olympics as it prepares to host the World Table Tennis Contender Championship (WTT Contender).
The event, scheduled from June 12 to June 18 at the Molade Okoya Thomos Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, is expected to draw participants from over 20 countries.
Wahid Oshodi, a prominent official of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF),
announced during the media unveiling of the event’s calendar that the WTT Contender
Championship would serve as a platform for ranking players. Additionally, Nigerian players
will have the opportunity to accumulate points that could qualify them for next year’s Olympic Games.
Oshodi expressed his excitement about Nigeria hosting the world championship and
emphasized that the tournament would enable Nigerian players to gain valuable experience.
The ITTF official also highlighted that while Aruna Quadri, one of Nigeria’s top table tennis
players, would not be participating in the championship, this would open doors for emerging stars in the country.
With the participation of over 50 players from around the globe, the WTT Contender
Championship promises to showcase the skills of the best male and female table tennis
players. Notably, a substantial sum of $75,000 has been allocated for cash prizes, rewarding outstanding performances by both Nigerian players based at home and those representing the country abroad.
Oshodi expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Lagos State government, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and various organizations involved in making the event a reality. He assured that the WTT Contender Championship would provide Nigerian players with an invaluable opportunity to compete against the world’s top table tennis players.
The championship marks an important milestone for Nigerian sports as the country aims to make its mark in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Hosting such a prestigious event not only elevates Nigeria’s profile in the international table tennis community but also
encourages the growth of the sport within the country. As Nigerian players showcase their
talent on home soil, they have the chance to secure their spot in the Olympic Games and
inspire a new generation of table tennis enthusiasts.
