Omanews
The Kogi State Table Tennis contingent has returned with impressive results from the Michael and Felicia Alabi National Table Tennis Championship held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
Joseph Marvelous and Joseph Victor, two talented young athletes from Kogi State, won gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the U-15 Cadet Boys Singles category.
According to Head Coach Friday Abah, the team’s success is a testament to the consistent training, hard work, determination, and resilience of the athletes.
Coach Abah expressed gratitude to the athletes and their parents, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by the team, particularly the lack of sponsorship and support.
“The lack of sponsorship and support has been a major setback for us,” Coach Abah said. “Despite this, we have consistently performed creditably in various championships. We believe that with proper support, our athletes can excel and bring glory to Kogi State.”
The team’s success is not limited to the national championship. Joshua Samson, another promising Table Tennis talent from Kogi State, has qualified to represent Nigeria in the 2025 International Table Tennis Federation Africa Hope Week Challenge slated for July in Lagos.
Marvelous Joseph, the U-15 gold medalist, is also set to represent Nigeria in an international championship.
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, described it as a welcome development.
He assured the athletes of government support and pledged that the present administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo would do everything possible to promote the growth of table tennis in Kogi State.
“The present administration is committed to supporting sports development in Kogi State,” Hon. Anyebe said. “We will do everything possible to ensure that our athletes receive the support they need to excel and bring glory to the state.”
The Kogi State Table Tennis Association is optimistic about continued success with government support. With talented athletes like Joshua Samson and Marvelous Joseph, the future of table tennis in Kogi State looks bright.
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