The 5th Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championships are set to kick off with a two-day coaching clinic at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos. This event, in line with the ideals of the Efunkoya Foundation, aims to not only provide young athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills but also to enhance their abilities through expert coaching and exposure to the latest techniques in the sport.
The coaching clinic, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 20, will be conducted by top table tennis coaches from various regions across the country. The foundation believes that by equipping the athletes with the necessary skills and knowledge, they will be better prepared for the main tournament. Ranti Lajide, the spokesperson for the foundation, emphasized the importance of staying abreast of new techniques in the sport, citing the recent success of French teenager Felix Lebrun at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as inspiration for nurturing new talents.
The annual contest pays homage to the late Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, who served as the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing table tennis stars for the country. Dr. Efunkoya was a strong advocate for education among young athletes, and in his memory, the organizers continue to provide educational scholarships for the winners in the boys‘ and girls‘ singles categories.
To encourage more participation in the championships, the organizers have taken steps to provide accommodation and meals for most participants. The event will feature five titles up for grabs, including singles (boys and girls), doubles (boys and girls), and mixed doubles events. The funding for the championships comes from former players and table tennis enthusiasts, both within and outside the country, who are dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the sport.
Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, a renowned surgeon and medical practitioner, began his involvement in table tennis administration in 1962 and was elected Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Association in 1963. His legacy lives on through the championships and the foundation that bears his name, continuing to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence in both sport and education. The 5th Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya Cadet Table Tennis Championships promise to be a platform for the next generation of table tennis stars to shine and uphold the values that Dr. Efunkoya held dear.