Team Nigeria is gearing up for a challenging start at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as they face formidable opponents in the table tennis events.
The draw, announced on Monday, August 26, at the South Paris Arena, pits Nigeria against strong competitors from Great Britain and China in both the Men’s and Mixed Doubles categories.
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In the Mixed Doubles, Nigeria’s Kayode Alabi and Faith Obazuaye are set to take on the British duo of Joshua Stacey and Bly Twomey in the Round of 32.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s Doubles, Alabi will partner with Victor Farinloye to face China’s Huang Jiaxin and Peng Weinan in the Round of 16.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Alabi expressed confidence despite the tough draw. “We are ready for any opponent because we’ve prepared well for Paris. We know the challenge ahead, but we’re not giving up easily,” said the African Champion in Class 6.
Team coach Nasiru Sule acknowledged the difficulty of the draw but remains optimistic. “It won’t be easy as we’re up against strong teams, but we’re committed to giving our best,” Sule stated.
Para table tennis, one of the eight founding sports of the Paralympic Games, has grown significantly since its debut at the Rome 1960 Paralympics. The sport, which began with 130 athletes competing in 11 events, now sees 280 athletes vying for medals across 31 events at Paris 2024.
With the competition set to begin on August 29, and the Singles draw scheduled for August 30, anticipation is high for an exciting and intense tournament. Team Nigeria is poised to make their mark despite the challenging road ahead.
