Nigeria youngster, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai has emerged champion of the 1st Hon Mukhtar Shagaya Table Tennis Competition in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Abdulbasit Abdulfatai defeated African Games silver medallist, Sukurat Aiyelabegan 3-1 (11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-7) in the singles event on Friday.
Abdulbasit Abdulfatai got a wildcard entry into the main draw of the WTT Contender Lagos which will be played at the Molade Okoya Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere from 19th to 23rd June, 2024.
The former National Junior Champion said the competition will help put him in shape ahead of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender in Lagos.
He said, “I feel very great to win a gold medal in my state (Kwara); it is a great achievement for me. I want to thank Honourable Muktar Shagaya for the opportunity to play competitive table tennis before the WTT Contender in Lagos.
“I have to display my talent and show determination during the WTT because a lot of top players will grace the tournament.
Abdulfatai identified African Champion, Quadri Aruna as his role model in Table Tennis.
Meanwhile, Sponsor of the Table Tennis Competition, Honourable Muktar Shagaya applauded the players for their high level of competitiveness.
Honourable Shagaya who doubles as the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education Services at the 10th National Assembly promised to organise more sporting events in order to reduce youth restiveness in Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency.
He said, “I feel elated and I think it was a fantastic turnout by both the players and the fans. It was an opportunity for people of Ilorin West/Asa constituency to come out, engage one another and watch sports in this time of festivity.
“We had a series of options and having deliberated with my team on the ground, it was agreed upon that I should bankroll a table tennis competition. I am glad I went with that because I watched African Games Silver medallist, Sukurat Aiyelabegan and other African Cadet Champions thrill the spectators.
“I want to assure you that the next edition of the Table Tennis Competition will be bigger and better”, he added.
