By Chioma James
The 7th edition of the China-NUJ FCT Council annual table tennis tournament has come to a close, with Chioma Amajor, a seasoned journalist of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, emerging as the female singles champion.
Chioma, who is the publisher of True Verdict Magazine, Editor-in-Chief of the Renewed Hope Magazine, among other works to her credit defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11-2, 8-11, 11-9 in the final.
Chioma’s victory is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. As a journalist, she has made significant contributions to the media industry, and her passion for sports is evident in her impressive performance on the table tennis court.
The tournament, which was held in collaboration with the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria, aimed to promote cultural exchange and friendship through sports.
He Ling, a Chinese player, emerged as the male singles champion, while Chen Huiling came third in the female category, and Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) came third in the male category.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, commended the friendship and collaboration between the NUJ and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
She emphasized that table tennis is more than just a sport, but a celebration of skill, agility, and perseverance, values that resonate deeply with the spirit of journalism and unity.
Comrade Ike also expressed gratitude to the Chinese Cultural Center for their invaluable support in making the tournament possible, stating that their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and friendship through sport truly enriches the event.
The NUJ FCT Chair noted that Chioma’s achievement is a source of pride for Nigerian journalists and sports enthusiasts, and her continued success is eagerly anticipated.
“Chioma is a seasoned journalist, publisher, and editor, with a passion for sports and excellence. Her victory at the China-NUJ FCT Table Tennis Tournament is a testament to her dedication and hard work.”
In the men’s doubles category, Wang Yangtao and He Ling emerged champions, while Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita were first runners-up, and Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha came third.
In the mixed doubles category, Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling emerged champions, while He Ling and Nie Xoahua were first runners-up, and Tan Jian and Wan Lu came third.
Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) put up a good fight, dismissing his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in two straight sets, before bowing out in the quarter-finals to Chinese top-rated player, Gao Qian.
The Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Tang Jianxing, emphasized the importance of table tennis diplomacy between Nigeria and China, stating that the competition is a part of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
Mr. Tang also thanked the NUJ and Nigerian journalists for their support and understanding, stating that the mutual beneficial cooperation between Nigeria and China is a testament to the strong ties between the two nations.
The Managing Director of NAN, Mallam Ali M. Ali, represented by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Oluwole Shogunle, congratulated the organizers and participants, stating that the tournament represents values promoted by NAN, including friendship, stronger bilateral relations, and team building.
The Director-General of the NTA, Mr. Salihu Dembos, represented by the General Manager Sports, Mr. Ademuyi Kayode, commended the centre for sustaining the competition to its 7th edition, stating that it is a testament to the talent and dedication of Nigerian athletes.
The winners of each category received cash rewards, with the champions taking home N250,000, runners-up receiving N200,000, and third-place winners receiving N150,000.
The event was a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and cultural exchange, with participants and spectators alike praising the organizers for putting together a successful tournament.
Chioma’s victory is a reminder that Nigerian athletes are capable of greatness, and with dedication and hard work, they can achieve success on the international stage.
The China-NUJ FCT Council has announced that the tournament will continue to promote cultural exchange and friendship through sports, with plans to involve the Nigerian Federation of Table Tennis in future editions.