150 players from 30 teams yesterday served-off the first Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships inside the Molade Thomas-Okoya Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos.
The championship sponsored by SAIL Empowerment Foundation saw the inclusion of two teams from Togo and Benin Republic, a reflection of the expansion of the championship to West Africa.
The tournament will end on Saturday, November 1.
Speaking at the press conference to launch the event, Senator Mukhail Abiru, emphasised the tournament's alignment with his youth development philosophy.
"Our youth development philosophy goes beyond classrooms and computer labs. The discipline, focus, and teamwork that make great innovators are the same traits that define great athletes.
"It was on this belief that we launched the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships in 2024, the first of its kind in Africa, as a platform to celebrate excellence, inclusion, and community spirit through sports," he said.
He added that this year's edition marks an exciting leap forward, saying the total prize money has been increased by over 37 percent -- from N4 million last year to N5.5 million.
President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi commended the Senator for his continued support and sponsorship of the tournament.
"We are grateful to the senator for his commitment to youth development and for keeping his promise to stage this event. We hope more stars will emerge from this tournament as we look forward to exciting matches over the next three days," he said.
The President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Adesoji Tayo, described the tournament as a bold and innovative step in African table tennis.
Meanwhile,in the matches played yesterday, Lagos 1 Club pairing Surmer Qudus and Aishat Rabiu sealing a commanding 3-0 win.
They defeated Tidjani and Fatima Ahmed of Olaaj TT Club 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 in the mixed doubles, thrilling spectators with sharp teamwork and pace.
In the singles, Lagos 1's Matthew Kuti overcame Olaaj TT Club's Olutayo Olatunde 3-1, winning 11-3, 11-6, 12-14, 11-7 to maintain momentum.