Sports
Deaflympics: Tennis Boss Promises Good Outing
Ahead of the forthcoming Deaflympic Games billed for Sofia, Bulgaria, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Deaf Table Tennis Association, Prince Elemchuku Eke, has expressed optimism that his ward’s participation would be a success story for the country.
Fielding questions from sports writers in Port Harcourt at the weekend, Prince Eke said preparations were in top gear as the deaf ping-pong players were seriously training in various states in the country with ten of them currently camped in Lagos, adding that when the final selection is made, the athletes would be moved to Ibadan.
He said some of those selected to represent the country included players who excelled during the last National Sports Festival just as he noted that the coaches were yet to shut the camps, since the possibility of discovering more medal prospects exist.
The Chairman, who maintains that ‘there is ability in disability’ also revealed that the squad included some of the players who brought glory to Nigeria at the last London Paralympics.
“We are going to Sofia to win medals. The players are in high spirit with a strong physical and mental fitness” he said.
Prince Eke, a Port Harcourt based businessman, however averred he was conscious of the fact that other countries were coming to the Games not as spectators but to fight for medals. He likened the scenario to what he called a ‘wedding cake’.
His words: “It should be seen like a big cake. You don’t expect me to eat all the cakes in a wedding. I will cut part of it and I will allow others to cut part of it too. Whoever that gets the greater part of it during eating and digestion; you now know the ability of how your body can carry. So, it’s a game where you don’t have to be greedy. You need to relax and let’s share. It’s a game where we all go and some will win while others will lose. But winning makes you happier and that’s what we are set to do. There are medals to be won and we will win some of them.”
Prince Eke, who was inaugurated Chairman of the board of the Nigeria Deaf Table Tennis Association last February told journalists that the 13-man body was on course and working to achieve its set objectives despite challenges.
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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