The 7th edition of the China-NUJ FCT Council annual table tennis tournament has ended on a cheery note with Chioma Amaja of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Correspondents Chapel emerging as female singles champion.
In her remarks while declaring the event open, the Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike commended the friendship, collaboration and healthy competition between the NUJ and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
She said that Table Tennis is more than just a sport saying that it is a celebration of skill, agility and perseverance which are values that resonate deeply with the spirit of journalism and the unity it upholds.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the China Cultural Center for their invaluable support in making this tournament possible.
“Their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and friendship through sport truly enriches this event.
“We are grateful for their partnership and dedication to strengthening ties between our communities,” she said.
Chioma defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11-2, 8-11, 11-9 in the final to emerge champion of the 2025 edition in Abuja on Saturday while Chen Huiling came third.
In the male singles category, Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) came third behind He Ling who emerged champion and Wang Yongtao who was the first runner up.
Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who made his debut in the tournament also gave a good account of himself dismissing his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in two straight sets.
He also saw off his colleague and fellow compatriot, Fortune Abang (2-0) in the Round of 16 before bowing it out gracefully in the quarter-finals to Chinese top-rated player, Gao Qian after a pulsating and nerve-wracking two-set encounter.
In the men’s double category, Wang Yangtao and He Ling emerged champions while Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita were first runner up and Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha came third.
In the mixed double category, Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling emerged champions while He Ling and Nie Xoahua were first runner up while Tan Jian and Wan Lu came third.
NAN reports that winners of each category received a cash reward of N250,000, second place winners received a cash reward of N200,000 while third place winners took home cash reward of N150,000.
Earlier at the opening ceremony, the Director of Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr Tang Jianxing said that the competition is a part of table tennis diplomacy.
He said that Nigeria and China are very close friends saying that Nigeria ranks among the first five friendly nations to China.
Jianxing who is also the Cultural Councilor of Chinese Embassy, said that there a mutual respect between both countries and that the competition was also an opportunity to get close at heart and know each other more though sports.
“I have to thank the NUJ and all the journalists in your country, without your understanding and your focus on China, your appreciation of Chinese culture, the mutual beneficial cooperation, the comprehensive strategic partnership between both cannot be very safe to stand the test of time,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Mallam Ali M. Ali said that NAN is proud to be associated with the tournament.
Represented by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Mr Oluwole Shogunle, Ali said that represents values promoted by NAN.
“It foster friendship, stronger bilateral relations and team building and these are the values we prompt in the News Agency of Nigeria.
“So we are glad to be here today to be associated with this event; we congratulate the organisers, the NUJ and the Chinese Embassy for putting this together,” he said.
Also, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Mr Salihu Dembos commended the centre for sustaining the competition to its 7th edition.
Represented by the General Manager Sports, Mr Ademuyi Kayode, Dembos recalled that table tennis was established in the late 19th century but became an official Olympics sports in 1988.
He said that since then Nigeria had been waxing stronger and have won many international medals across competitions.
He said that given the level of talents displayed at the annual event, it was time to involve the Nigerian Federation of Table Tennis. (NAN)