August 14, (THEWILL) – The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade, has expressed readiness ahead of the 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Ebikpolade, in an interview, said the lads are fully prepared for the Games slated from 7th to 17th of September, 2023, stating that preparation had already started before the announcement of the games.
Despite not having the regular Samuel Boboye, Azeez Solonke and Etim Orok, the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Chairman believes that the team is strong enough to stun Nigerians in the Youth version of the National Sports Festival.
He hinted that players like Udoh Victor Kemala, Samuel Fineboy and Matthew Elkanah have qualified in the male category, while Beauty Somiya, Peace Rufus, and Ekuromune Princess will represent the State in the women’s category.
Ebikpolade affirmed that all the players going to Asaba for the 7th National Youths Games are players within range of the championship and that the association would never falsify the age of any athlete.
Reflecting on the success recorded in the Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament in Osogbo, Osun State, Ebikpolade revealed that the team would, in a few weeks, embark on another tournament in Lagos, the Dr Adegboyega Efunkoya Tennis Foundation Memorial Cadet championship, from 22nd to 26th of August.
He asserted that the association, in the coming days, would present medals to players, who have competed favourably in different championships, noting that the body would use the event for ranking players.
Ebikpolade thanked the Governor of the State, Senator Diri Douye and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali and Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, for their continuous support of the association.
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