2024 WTT Contender: Lagos promises hitch-free competition

Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, on Tuesday restated the government’s commitment to provide the right atmosphere for hosting international tournaments in the state.

Fatodu gave the assurance in his opening address at the news conference for the Lagos World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

NEWSVERGE reports that the event is scheduled to hold at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium from Wednesday June 19 to June 23.

Fatodu said that the state would parade home grown talents that would favourably contest with the international Stars at the tournament.

“It’s on a very good note that l welcome everyone to the first WTT Contender Series in Sub-Saharan Africa in the state of the Aquatic splendour, Lagos, Nigeria.

“We are very glad to welcome our Table Tennis Players to another milestone in the history of the state in promoting sporting excellence, where the WTT Contender will be unfolding for the next five days.

“As a state, we are ever ready for this kind of showpiece as our homegrown and budding players like Muizz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai are already warming up for the world event.

“Our indefatigable Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been demonstrating unwavering support in sporting infrastructure,” he said.

Fatodu added that they would leave no stone unturned in the development of sports and other activities that would expose athletes in the state to international championships.

”It’s on this note that our home and international players will enjoy a hitch free tournament as the event is about to record another inspiring achievement in the ping-pong game.

“Our visiting players will also enjoy the hospitality nature of the state in terms of accommodation, transportation and our attractive tourists’ centres.

“We cannot do away with the development of sports in our circle and this 400 ITTF world ranking points Table Tennis championships.

“The championships serves as an avenue for our local players to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Brazilian Hugo Calderano, Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany, among top players ready to feature in this tournament,” he said.

Fatodu said that Lagos was a pacesetter in the sports and infrastructure development.

“Hosting another world championship in the commercial nerve centre of the country is putting the state on the world map and also creating an avenue for the budding talents to explore and excel.

“This is Lagos and we are open to subsequent major tournaments.

“Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria, where WTT Contender is taking place and we are very sure that champions will be unveiled here,” he said.