Sports
Investment In Grassroots Tennis Pays Off For Ondo
The Ondo State Table Tennis Association has said in Akure
that the success story of the association is due to its massive investments in
grassroots talent hunt and school sports.
The association’s Vice Chairman, Yemi Dada, told newsmen
that its emphasis on the grassroots made it the leading association in
table-tennis in the country today.
“We recognise the importance of cultivating talents from the
grassroots, not only in table tennis, but in other sports as well.
“The grassroots is our association’s major target; we really
believe in the grassroots and it is showing from the results we are getting.
“Because of our belief in the grassroots, we believe that we
shall be able to maintain our first position in the sport at the 18th edition
of the National Sports Festival in November in Lagos.
“We do not believe in old players; that is why we do not buy
players in Ondo State and we hope to continue to top the medals table in table
tennis as far as the National Sports Festival is concerned.
“Old players will not play more than two seasons and will be
out of the stage, but a player in his youthful ages can play for many seasons.
That is the reason why we invest in them,” he said.
The Chairman commended the association’s coach, Dotun
Omoniyi, saying that he was the best grassroots coach in the country today,
when it comes to discovery and grooming of talents.
“He plays with the players, trains with them and he knows
their problems; that is the more reason why he was rated as one of the best by
the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF),” he said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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