By CHRISTIAN NJOKU

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 sport.

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

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, John Akintola, said the event continues to gain national relevance with increased participation yearly.

Akintola listed participating states as Lagos, Anambra, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ogun and host state, Cross River.

He said the competition’s expanding national spread was driven by passion for table tennis and commitment to youth development.

According to Akintola, the annual December tournament was created to ensure table tennis does not fade in Cross River and Nigeria.

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that matches began on Friday and ends on Saturday across different age categories.

Young players from various states are competing keenly for honours and prizes, while scouts monitor emerging talents.

Akintola said the challenge was 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 said the tournament has consistently produced players who later excelled nationally and internationally.

“This competition produced Orok Etim, now playing professionally in Italy,” Akintola said.

He added that Nigeria’s number one female player, Hope Udoaka, also emerged from the Calabar Challenge.

Akintola said 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, Cross River Table Tennis Association, Usen Umo, said the challenge remains vital for talent grooming.

Umo said the event exposes young players to high-level competition and builds confidence.

He said categories include senior, cadet and veterans’ singles, ensuring broad participation.

Umo added that total prize money for the tournament stands at about N1.3 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.

Udoaka said the Calabar Challenge helped shape her career and sharpen her competitive mindset.

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

Defending male champion and Bayelsa captain, Samuel Boboye, advised young players to remain focused.

Boboye urged them to train diligently, obey coaches and stay disciplined to achieve success.

He said education remains important alongside sports development.

Boboye added that he hopes to graduate in 2026 and pursue table tennis professionally thereafter. (NAN)