The 10th Elcris Table Tennis Cup, a prestigious table tennis tournament organized by the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA) and generously sponsored by the Babatunde Abayomi Adejobi Foundation (BAA Foundation), is set to ignite the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos from December 22nd to 23rd. This year’s edition promises an exhilarating display of skill and athleticism, featuring a lineup of prominent players, including African Games silver medalist Matthew Kuti and the reigning African Championship men’s doubles champions, Muiz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai. Their presence, alongside other top-ranked table tennis players from across Nigeria, elevates the competition’s stature and guarantees a captivating spectacle for spectators.
The Elcris Table Tennis Cup, now in its tenth year, has become a beacon of opportunity for emerging table tennis talents in Nigeria. The tournament provides a platform for these athletes to showcase their prowess, gain valuable competitive experience, and attract the attention of national handlers scouting for potential additions to the national team. This year’s event carries even greater significance as it serves as a crucial preparatory ground for players aiming to participate in the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State. The tournament allows them to fine-tune their skills and maintain peak performance levels in anticipation of the national competition.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Elcris Table Tennis Cup embodies a profound commitment to youth development and empowerment. Babatunde Adejobi, the founder of the BAA Foundation, articulates the foundation’s core values, emphasizing their dedication to uplifting young individuals and helping them realize their dreams. As a former table tennis player himself, Adejobi recognizes the transformative power of sports and its ability to empower the less privileged. The foundation’s unwavering support for the tournament reflects their belief in the positive impact of sports on individuals and communities.
The BAA Foundation’s vision extends beyond merely hosting a successful tournament. They aspire to expand the Elcris Table Tennis Cup into a national event, thereby broadening its reach and impact. This ambitious goal underscores their long-term commitment to nurturing table tennis talent across Nigeria and providing opportunities for athletes from all corners of the country to compete at a high level. Their dedication to fostering a vibrant table tennis ecosystem in Nigeria is commendable and serves as a model for other organizations seeking to contribute meaningfully to sports development.
Tunji Lawal, the chairman of LSTTA, expresses immense gratitude to the BAA Foundation for their sustained support of the Elcris Table Tennis Cup. He applauds their vision for expanding the tournament’s scope and recognizes the immense benefits it will bring to the sport in both Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. Lawal emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in creating a robust pipeline of talent for the national team and providing athletes with continuous opportunities to hone their skills. He calls upon other individuals and corporate entities to emulate the BAA Foundation’s example and invest in youth sports development.
The 10th Elcris Table Tennis Cup signifies more than just a sporting competition; it represents a powerful partnership between a dedicated foundation and a committed sports association, working together to elevate table tennis in Nigeria. The tournament provides a stage for aspiring athletes to shine, fosters a sense of community among players and fans, and serves as a testament to the transformative power of sports. As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for witnessing thrilling matches, celebrating emerging talents, and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the BAA Foundation in shaping the future of table tennis in Nigeria.
