Over 300 players from 21 states and 67 clubs have registered to compete in the yearly Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Champions, which begins on January 27 and end on February 1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The players will compete in 13 events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, para, deaf, and veteran categories, with enhanced prize money, the organisers of the championship have announced.

According to the organisers, the men’s Singles category attracts the highest number of entries at 109. In total, 355 participants (231 male and 124 female) will participate in this year’s edition.

Speaking at the unveiling of the programme for the championship yesterday in Lagos, a representative of the sponsors, Deji Okoya-Thomas, expressed confidence that the first national edition will uncover new talents and bring out the best in all participants.

He said: “This year is particularly special as, for the first time in the history of the championship, the tournament will extend beyond Lagos State to become a national event. This decision comes in response to numerous appeals to allow the best players from across the country to compete in a supportive environment that brings out their best.

“We recognise the profound impact of sports on youth, a vision championed by our late father, who aimed to use this tournament to empower the youth of Lagos. We have witnessed this vision come to life, with many participants becoming breadwinners for their families. The achievements of players like Atanda Musa, the late Yomi Bankole, Bose Kaffo, and the evergreen Olufunke Oshonaike are testaments to the tournament’s influence.

“Moreover, a new generation of players, including Olajide Omotayo, Bose Odusanya, Muiz Adegoke, Matthew Kuti, and Aishat Rabiu, has emerged from this tournament. We believe that elevating the championship to a national level will assist the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) in selecting the best players to represent the country in major tournaments.”

Also speaking at the event, African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, expressed his delight that the championship is finally going national as canvassed by stakeholders.