The 8th China-Nigeria Table Tennis Friendship Match has reinforced the role of sports in promoting people-to-people exchanges, mutual understanding and stronger relations between Nigeria and China.
The annual tournament, held on Sunday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, brought together Nigerian journalists, Chinese nationals and other participants for a day of sporting competition and cultural interaction.
Organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, the competition featured men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles and mixed doubles events.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described table tennis as more than a sporting activity, saying it serves as a bridge of friendship that brings the peoples of both countries closer.
He noted that the tournament, which had successfully held eight editions, continued to provide opportunities for Nigerians and Chinese nationals to interact, develop sporting skills and build lasting relationships.
“Sports exchanges transcend differences in language and culture, enabling people from different countries and backgrounds to better understand one another and build mutual trust,” Yang said.
He expressed appreciation to the NUJ FCT Council and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria for their partnership in sustaining the initiative.
Yang also commended the Nigerian media for its contributions to promoting mutual understanding and objective reporting of developments in China-Nigeria relations, particularly in trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology.
He equally acknowledged the contributions of Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria to economic and trade cooperation, as well as their support for cultural, sporting and public welfare activities.
The Chinese diplomat said the tournament was particularly significant as 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
He highlighted China’s zero-tariff treatment for imports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, which took effect on May 1, 2026, as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities and deepen cooperation with the continent.
Yang urged stakeholders in the sporting, media and business communities to build on the spirit of the tournament to promote wider exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
In her remarks, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the tournament as a unique platform for journalists to connect beyond the demands of newsroom activities while promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and professional solidarity.
She commended the China Cultural Centre for sustaining the partnership with the NUJ FCT Council over eight editions, noting that the competition had evolved into an important avenue for recreation, healthy competition and people-to-people engagement.
According to her, while the prizes at stake added excitement to the competition, the greatest achievement remained the friendship, unity and partnership the tournament continued to foster among participants.
Ike congratulated all participants and urged them to uphold the values of sportsmanship, unity and mutual respect, regardless of the competition’s outcome.
“We played to win. But we also remember that at the end of every match, we must remain one, united, colleagues and members of one professional family,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the China Cultural Centre for hosting and funding the tournament, while expressing optimism about an even stronger partnership in the years ahead.
The competition featured spirited contests across the four categories, with Ignatious Nkwoh winning the men’s singles, while Xu HaiTao and Shi Changqiang claimed the men’s doubles title.
Nie Xiaohua won the women’s singles, while Shi Changqiang and Zhang Yaping emerged champions in the mixed doubles event.
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