Femi Atolagbe

As the 21st National Sports Festival kicks off in Asaba, both male and female table tennis teams representing Ondo State are through to the quarter finals.

Team Ondo comprised of Wale Fagbamila Omeh Amadi, Joshua Oladiran and Oloruntade had earlier walked over Benue State in their first match of the day one even of the biennial competition. Before they strolled past team Abia in their second match.

While their female counterpart, with Kehinde Akinyinka, Agnes Onoja, Adebayo Iyabo and Falodun Remilekun got a better side of team Nasarawa to proceed to the quarter finals in female category.

Team Ondo participated in Cycling, Darts, Gymnastics,Judo,para powerlifting, Table tennis and para table tennis in the day one of the competition.

Bayelsa male team are also lucky to walk over their Kebbi State opponent in their second match.

Meanwhile Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare was at the Indoor sports hall of the Stephen Keshi International stadium Asaba to cheer athletes who are currently participating in the table tennis events of the National Sports Festival tagged Delta 2022.

The Minister expressed his excitement at seeing the level at which the players were exhibiting their talents in Table Tennis.

According to the Minister, “I have never hidden my undying passion for the Paralympians knowing full well that there is ability in disability. They have won so many laurels for this country and there is no better way to motivate them than to be seen in their midst. It will go a very long way in lifting their spirits.”

The Minister watched the games between Ogun and Kwara (female doubles), Nasarawa and Ondo (female), Delta and Kwara (male) and a number of other Table Tennis games.

Earlier, while declaring the event open, Mr Dare said this year’s festival is the land mark of his achievement, saying they worked to deliver a successful festival.

He said the purpose of the festival was to use sports to unify Nigeria after the civil war in 1973.