7th Efunkoya U-15 National Table Tennis Championships Begin

The 7th Adegboyega Efunkoya U-15 National Table Tennis Championships officially began today at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The tournament features participants from 20 clubs and 14 different states across Nigeria.

Lagos provides the largest number of competitors for the event. Other participating states include Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Osun, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, and Taraba. Athletes will compete in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.

Last year's winners, Umar Ayoola and Khadijat Musa, are not participating this year as they have moved past the age limit for the competition. This has left the titles for the championship vacant. The tournament serves as a platform for players to aim for spots on the national team.

Tournament referee John Peters noted that the competition remains high-level, citing Matthew Kuti as a former participant who has since joined the senior national team. He credited the organizers for maintaining the competitive nature of the event.

In addition to playing skill, the championships will present twelve different awards. These honors include categories such as Best Umpire and Most Improved Player to recognize discipline and character.

To maintain the integrity of the age-grade competition, officials will conduct a strict screening process before matches start. Any player found to be over the age limit or attempting to falsify their age will face disqualification and sanctions.