The chairman of South-South Table Tennis Association, Ama-Ebi Wilson Ebikpolade, has disclosed that the zone is ready to float a league to enable all the Table Tennis Clubs in the region to regularly compete.
He made this known in a chat with journalists at the final day of the 4th edition of a 2-day mini-Table Tennis tournament for children from South-South and South-east regions of Nigeria organised by Offiong Edem Foundation.
Ebikpolade who is the chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association in the South South said it was necessary to prove that it is possible to establish and run a national Table Tennis League just as Nigerian Football Federation does with football.
He said towards the actualization of the plan, a mega hall for Table Tennis will be completed at the end of July 2024 in Bayelsa State.
“Already we have such a big Hall in Calabar fitted with modern tennis equipment to support the plan which should come on stream shortly.
“To ensure that the zone stands out stronger, and also kicks off a tournament amongst the clubs in the zone, despite the huge costs, we have donated two Table Tennis boards to Edo State, two to Rivers, two to Cross River, and one to Akwa Ibom.
“Further plan is to engage the coaches and umpires in training in line with international standards. This is important because as you know a tournament is like an examination. Players, officials and coaches must do lots of home-work before the tournament kicks off soon.
Ebikpolade said the passion he has for the sport is what has driven him to make staggering investments to enhance it and attract a greater number of young people.
He also said they have scholarship programmes for the children where budding stars can combine education with sports.