NTTF To Become Involved In ITTF’s Programmes

The secretary of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Segun Oguntade, has assured Nigerians of the body’s increased participation in the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) open Pro-Tour championships in 2012.

Oguntade said in Lagos that the participation of more Nigerian players in the championships would boost their international rankings and that of the country in the ITTF.

“The need for more Nigerian players both young and existing ones to feature in the ITTF pro-tour in 2012 is paramount at the federation, because we are aware of the benefits derivable from the tour.

“Pro-Tours are ITTF organised major events where players around the world exhibit their skills during competitions and are individually assessed for high or low ranking and which also affect their countries,’’ he added.

The secretary said that the ITTF had no fewer than six Pro-Tour tournaments in its 2012 programme of activities, open to home and foreign-based players.

He said that two of such programmes, the English Open, would hold in February, while the Kuwait Open would hold later in the year.

Oguntade said that although the federation had not received any information on player registration for the pro-tour, the federation would prepare all the logistics for intending players.

He said that the federation was making efforts to get sponsors for its national and international championships, and urged support from sports enthusiasts and corporate bodies.

Oguntade said the NTTF board would meet in February to deliberate on issues affecting the federation and ways to ensure the execution of its 2012 programmes.