In its commitment to promoting people-to-people friendship, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), has organized a Table Tennis Tournament and Awards Ceremony for schools in the nation’s capital.
Tagged the “2023 Chinese Ambassador Cup” and held at JSS Area 11 in Abuja, the sporting event was competed for by junior secondary schools in the six area councils that make up the federal territory.
In his goodwill message, Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, said the tournament was organized to allow students in FCT schools to discover their skills, meet new people, build lasting friendships and make tennis a popular sport in Nigeria.
He said, “As we know, in any competition, to compete and display skills is vital, but most importantly, tournaments like this are for athletes to meet new people and build friendships. To exercise our bodies through sports is essential, but what is more important is to enjoy the game.
“This is the essence of sports, and I think it is also the essence of the “2023 Chinese Ambassador Cup” Table Tennis Tournament jointly hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the FCT Universal Basi Education Board.
“I am so happy to see that by organizing such a tournament, we are providing opportunities for players from different FCT UBEB schools to improve their skills and promote the game’s popularity in Nigeria. I hope years later, in our schools, teachers and students can play this beautiful game. I hope years later, The Chinese Ambassador Cup Table Tennis Tournament can become a well-known event brand in Abuja.”
Mr Xuda pledged the readiness of the Embassy to expand the games to other sports and create a better learning environment for students by upgrading the Chinese Corner and donating table tennis boards, chairs, desks and books.
Earlier in his remarks, Sule Alhassan, Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, thanked the Chinese Embassy for organizing the tournament, stressing that the event is a testament to the fruitful relationship between Nigeria and China.
After a keenly contested tournament, Musa Mahmud from JSS Jabi 1 emerged as the winner in the male category. Taofiq Abdulrasak from JSS Zuba and Ismail Sani from JSS Goza came second and third in the same category, respectively.
Similarly, Lucy Okafar from JSS Goza won the female category. Christiana Onyechere from JSS Jabi 2 and Igwe Esther from JSS Jabi 1 emerged second and third, respectively.
Winners received certificates and cash gifts, while other participating students got consolation prizes.
See photos below:
