Players of Ondo State Table Tennis Association yesterday in Akure called on the state government to come to their aids by sponsoring them to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World championships.
It was recalled that the state Teams; senior and junior were invited to represent Nigeria in the world tour following their excellent performance at the NTTF Pilot League and Toyin Okenla National Secondary School championships held respectively in Lagos.
In a separate interview with newsmen, the players thanked the state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for his timely love and support for Table Tennis begging for his quick intervention in order to participate in the career boosting championships.
“It is not common to invite a state to represent it’s country in an international championship and this shows that we have records. We want to thank the government for the encouragement, the World Tour will boost our rankings as players and a state”, Ojo Onaolapo said.
“Attending the championship will improve and expose the standard of the grassroots programme of the Dr. Mimiko led government. We need to improve on our knowledge and skills”, Akinyinka Kehinde added.
According to the invitation letter, the Sunshine senior team is expected to represent Nigeria in the GAC Group ITTF World Tour, China Open Chengdu Super Series between June 4 and 8 while their junior counterparts will do same at the Funchal Junior & Cadet Open ITTF Circuit in Portugal between September 3 and 6.
However, The Teams head coach, Adedotun Omoniyi urged the state government to sponsor the teams which he said will help in preparing the players for the forth coming National Sports Festival slated for Calabar.
“Table Tennis remains the states’ number one area of advantage in a competition so there is need to expose players to modern techniques”.
“The penalty for non show policy, there be a charge of £150 per player and coach and cancellation amounts will be added to the association’s invoice to be paid together with the hospitality costs to the organisers either by bank transfer or by cash on site.
Also the association will not be allowed to enter future World Tour events if any cancellation fees remain outstanding”, ITTF Competition Manager, Karl Jindrak said.
The senior players include; Ojo Onaolapo, Boboye Oyeniyan, Fagbamila Akinwale and Akeem Lasisi while Oladiran Joshua, Akomolafe Sunday, Amadi Umah and Akinyinka Kehinde form the junior team.
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