By Ochiaka Ugwu
Deputy Director of Sports Development, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sports Department, Iyiola Ogundele has hailed China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for hosting China-Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Annual Table Tennis Tournament.
Ogundele who represented Chairman of FCT Table Tennis Association, Navy Cpt Jelani Umar said the association was deeply grateful for the support of the Chinese Embassy in this tournament.
He said that China was renowned for its prowess in table tennis and the tournament should be seen as an opportunity to learn from the best.
He stressed the need to sincerely appreciate the Chinse Embassy for the support.
According to him, “The association is deeply grateful for the support of the Chinese Embassy in this tournament. China as we all know, is renowned for its prowess in table tennis and we see this tournament as an opportunity to learn from the best. We wish to therefore sincerely appreciate the embassy for their support.
“It is truly inspiring to see the Nigeria Union of Journalists championing the course of reviving one of the spots that have brought Nigeria a lot of glory in the past
“Part of our plans in the Association is to nurture young talent and reviving the sports in primary and secondary schools across the FCT in order to catch them young.
“On a final note, I extend our sincere appreciation to everyone involved in organizing this tournament. I want to assure you on behalf of the association that our doors will remain open to you to build on this partnership beyond Table Tennis to other sports” he said.
Also speaking, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing in his opening remarks noted that the tournament was a testament to the growing friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
He said, “Table tennis is a popular sport in both Nigeria and China, and this tournament provides a platform for our peoples to come together, compete, and learn from each other,” Yang said.
“We are committed to strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two countries, and we believe that sports and cultural exchange programs like this tournament are essential to achieving that goal.”
Yang also expressed his appreciation for the support of the Nigerian government and people, saying, “We are grateful for the warm welcome and support that we have received from the Nigerian people.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries” he noted.
Director of China General Chambers of Commerce, Cui Guangzhen who described the competition as a catalyst for building ties between the two nations said that Nigerians had been winning medals which shows they were really good at Table tennis sport.
Recall that in a perfect sense of building relations and synergy, the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, China General Chambers of Commerce in collaboration with Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) hosted the 6th edition of China- NUJ annual Table Tennis tournament which brought together players from both countries in a warm celebration of friendship, sportsmanship and unity.
