Calabar Table Tennis Challenge Attracts Seven States

Posted : 21 December 2025

No fewer than seven states have converged in Calabar, Cross River State, for the third Calabar Table Tennis Challenge, aimed at discovering young talents and sustaining the growth of the sport.

The two-day tournament has attracted players, coaches, and officials from across Nigeria, further reinforcing Calabar’s growing reputation as a hub for sports development.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, John Akintola, said the event continues to gain national relevance, with participation increasing each year.

Akintola listed the participating states as Lagos, Anambra, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ogun, and the host state, Cross River. He explained that the competition’s expanding national reach is driven by passion for table tennis and a strong commitment to youth development.

According to him, the annual December tournament was established to ensure table tennis remains vibrant in Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

“The idea was born out of love for the game and a desire to create opportunities for young players,” Akintola said.

Matches began on Friday and will end on Saturday, with contests spread across different age categories. Young players from various states are competing keenly for honours and prizes, while scouts closely monitor emerging talents.

Akintola added that the challenge is strategically aligned with the Calabar Carnival to maximise participation.

“This period allows players returning home for the carnival to combine culture with competitive sports,” he explained.

He noted that the tournament has consistently produced players who have gone on to excel nationally and internationally.

“This competition produced Orok Etim, who is now playing professionally in Italy,” Akintola said, adding that Nigeria’s number one female player, Hope Udoaka, also emerged from the Calabar Challenge.

Akintola disclosed that the tournament is funded through voluntary donations from individuals and sports enthusiasts.

“There is no government sponsorship yet, but the state government has shown interest in future partnerships,” he added.

Vice Chairman of the Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Usen Umo, described the challenge as vital for grooming talents. He said the event exposes young players to high-level competition and helps build confidence.

Umo noted that categories include senior, cadet, and veterans singles, ensuring broad participation, and added that the total prize money stands at about ₦1.3 million.

He described the standard of play as top-class, featuring some of Nigeria’s finest table tennis players.

Defending female champion, Hope Udoaka, attributed her previous success to discipline, hard work, and dedication. She said the Calabar Challenge played a key role in shaping her career and sharpening her competitive mindset.

“I am working hard and hope to represent Nigeria at the Olympics in the future,” Udoaka said.

Defending male champion and Bayelsa captain, Samuel Boboye, advised young players to remain focused, urging them to train diligently, obey their coaches, and maintain discipline to succeed.

Boboye also stressed the importance of education alongside sports development, adding that he hopes to graduate in 2026 and pursue table tennis professionally thereafter.

Calabar Table Tennis Challenge Attracts Seven States

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics