The 2026 O’jez Ladder table tennis tournament has got off to a bright start at the Ikeja Country Club table tennis section, with over 300 players vying for honours.

Exclusive only to members of the table tennis section, the tournament offers an opportunity for members of the club to showcase their table tennis prowess and also battle for points to determine the top 20 players in the club’s ranking system.

According to the secretary of the table tennis section, Akeem Lekan Alli-Balogun, the tournament saw a record entry, forcing it to be stretched for two weeks.

“It is a tournament we all eagerly look forward to participating in.

“The prestige to be in the top 20 ranking and have your name on the board is a prime motivation for players,” said Mr Alli Balogun.

The tournament is in different men’s and women’s categories, which are determined according to playing prowess and age. There is the League one for top-rated players, League two for moderate players, the veterans (55-65) and the super veterans categories (65-80)

Speaking on the tournament, which he has bankrolled for several years, chairman and managing director of the O’jez Entertainment Group, Joseph Odobeatu, said it has always been an honour to have the O’jez Ladder table tennis tournament.

“This is one of the many ways we contribute towards sports development in the country, and it has always been a pleasure to see members compete for honours every year.

“As a table tennis player myself, I have represented and won trophies for the Ikeja Country Club in many tournaments, so it is exciting seeing people compete and test their skills and limits.”