Host state team Ogun continued to build its medal haul in table tennis at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, by clinching gold in the mixed doubles category.
This victory adds to the two gold medals Ogun secured in para-table tennis events on Monday.
The triumphant duo of Bode Abiodun and Tosin Oribamishe delivered a stellar performance in the Mixed Doubles final, overcoming Bayelsa’s Azeez Solanke and Iyanuoluwa Falana.
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Their path to gold included a hard-fought semifinal clash against Edo’s Rilwan Akanbi and Aminat Fashola, where Abiodun’s experience proved crucial in a narrow 3-2 victory.
The final, however, was a dominant display from the Ogun pair, as they swept Bayelsa in straight sets (3-0), bringing Ogun’s total gold medal count in table tennis to three.
Meanwhile, the singles competitions are intensifying as they enter a critical phase. Defending women’s singles champion Fatimo Bello of Delta State has confidently stated her ambition to retain her title.
“Expect a different performance in this festival because nothing can stop me from retaining the title. It’s going to be tougher this year, but I’m fully ready for any opponent here in Abeokuta,” Bello declared.
The men’s singles event promises a fierce contest with a strong field of over ten top contenders. This includes foreign-based stars such as Olajide Omotayo, Bode Abiodun, Taiwo Mati, Bode Kayode, and Azeez Solanke. They will face stiff competition from local talents like Matthew Kuti and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai, as well as defending champion Amadi Omeh of Edo State.
Tunji Lawal, Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), commended the organisers and highlighted the significance of the festival for talent identification.
“I must commend the Ogun State government for putting on a great show. The turnout for the table tennis event has been impressive. With more players participating, we increase our chances of discovering new talent. This is a promising development for the sport in Nigeria. Hopefully, we can find the next Quadri Aruna at this year’s Gateway Games,” Lawal stated.
