China, NUJ FCT Hold 7th Table Tennis Tournament

In a significant move to further strengthen the Nigeria/Chinese ties through sporting activities, the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, sitting in Abuja has staged it’s 7th edition of the Chinese Table Tennis Competition with the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, FCT Council.

In an opening remark, the Cultural Councillor of Chinese embassy and Director, Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria Mr Yang Jianxing said the competition was aimed at promoting the existing bilateral relationship between the two countries to foster economic development through sports.

He explained that sports as a unifying factor has brought great nations together, bridging relationship gaps, hence calling on participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship during and after the event irrespective of the final outcome of the competition

On her part, the Chairman National to Union of Journalists NUJ, FCT Council Comrade Grace Ikeh said the event stands as a remarkable symbol of friendship, collaboration, and healthy competition between the two organisations

The Chairman explained that Table Tennis is more than just sports but a celebration of skills, agility, values, and perseverance that resonates deeply with the spirit of journalism and unity.

“I will like to express my heart felt appreciation to the Chinese Cultural Centre for the invaluable support in making the tournament a reality to fostering cultural values cultural exchange and friendship through sports; she added.

Also speaking, the Director General DG, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Salihu Dembos restated his organization commitment towards supporting the Cultural Centre through effective media coverage

The Director General, who was represented by Director Sports Mr Adeniyi Kayode, however, urged participants drawn from various chapels under the NUJ, FCT Council, and the Chinese team to embrace resilience, endurance and tolerance duration the competition

Earlier, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria NAN,Mallam Ali Mohammed commended the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria for their immense contributions towards promoting sporting activities through the annual Table Tennis competition towards sustaining the ties between the Media and the Cultural Center

The MD , who was represented by the Deputy Editor in Chief of the agency Mr Oluwole Shogonle stressed that the agency would continue to support the activities of the Cultural Center to further consolidate the existing ties between the two country’s

In the finals phase of the tournament decided, Chioma defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11-2,8-11,11-9 to emerge Champions of the 2025, 7th edition

In the male category, Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority NTA came third behind He Ling, who emerged Champion and Wang Yongtoa, who was the first runner up.

Victor Okoye of the NAN who made his debut in the tournament also dismissed his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in two straight sets and also saw off his fellow compatriots Fortune Abang 2-0 in the round of 16 before bowing out in the quarter finals to Chinese top rated player, Gao Qiang after a 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 Okah and Nwokocha came third.

In the mixed double category, Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling emerged champions while He Ling and Nie Xiaohua were first runner up while Tan Jian and Wan Lu came third

Winners of each category received a cash reward of N250,00, second place winners received a cash reward of N200, while third place winners took hime N150,000 cash reward

Garry Ochigbo,Edited By Grace Namiji