Odusanya, Adegoke battle ready as 56th Okoya-Thomas tennis tourney serves off

Bose Odusanya and Muiz Adegoke have expressed confidence to retain their titles in both the women’s and men’s singles categories as the 56th Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis tourney serves off today, Monday, January 29. The longest-running table tennis tournament upgraded to a national status will begin with the preliminary stage contest among the 355 registered […]

Bose Odusanya and Muiz Adegoke have expressed confidence to retain their titles in both the women’s and men’s singles categories as the 56th Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis tourney serves off today, Monday, January 29.

The longest-running table tennis tournament upgraded to a national status will begin with the preliminary stage contest among the 355 registered participants drawn from 21 states and 67 clubs inside the indoor sports hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

In an interview with Odusanya who holds the record of nine consecutive victories since 2015, she expressed optimism as she aims at her 10th title.

“I can win the 10th title by God’s grace, because I have been training hard. I am going to win this competition by God’s grace.

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“I have confidence because this is not my first national competition. I have been playing in national competitions. So I am not afraid,” she said.

She hinted on the possibility of participating in more editions ahead, unless she relocates to another country.

“I can’t stop playing the competition unless I am not in this country again,” she said.

Two-time winner, Adegoke admitted that this edition will not be a stroll in the park, citing the array of talents who will compete at the tournament.

“I am very excited that the tournament has become a national event. I feel it is going to be very interesting and very competitive,” he said.

He, however, expressed optimism to retain his title as the champion in the men’s single category.

“I am going to emerge as the winner,” he said.

In the para category, Paralympians Isau Ogunkunle and Faith Obazuaye top the list of participants.

The Africa’s sole medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Ogunkunle, who will lead the Ogun State contingent is aiming to become the first player in class 1 to 5 to win the men’s singles title.