Nigeria and Iraq emerged as the standout teams at the 2024 Lagos ValueJet Para Table Tennis Open, held from November 7 to November 9 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Each country claimed six gold medals at the prestigious event, underscoring their dominance across both singles and doubles categories in the three-day of the International Table Tennis Federation Factor 20 tournament.
2024 competition, orchestrated by the Sunday Odebode Foundation in partnership with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation’s Para Division, attracted a diverse array of talent.
Athletes from the United Kingdom, Iraq, Iran, Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, and host nation Nigeria showcased their skills, making it a truly international event in the para table tennis calendar.
While the Nigerian team demonstrated formidable skill, Iraq made a powerful statement on the tournament’s final day.
The spotlight was on Muntadher Al Sarraji, whose intense match against Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Isau Ogunkunle kept spectators at the edge of their seats.
Al Sarraji’s 3-2 victory in the Men’s Singles Class 3-4 final, clinched with a nail-biting 13-11 win in the deciding game, drew gasps from the home crowd as he sealed his triumph against the celebrated Nigerian athlete.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commended the remarkable talent on display, pledging ongoing support for the competition and its inspiring athletes.
“Our athletes continue to break boundaries, proving that physical limitations cannot constrain the boundless potential within each individual. This tournament is not only a celebration of skill and competition but also an inspiring reminder of the strength, resilience, and courage that define our athletes,” he said.
The event has earned growing recognition within the para sports community, attracting praise from notable figures like Sunday Odebode, president of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, who expressed pride in the tournament’s increasing international appeal.
“We are thrilled that the tournament continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The registration this year was impressive, and we are happy to see the event attracting more players worldwide,” he noted.
ITTF’s para manager, Pablo Perez, emphasized Nigeria’s expanding role in the global para table tennis arena.
Nigeria’s impact, he noted, is further validated by standout performances in major international tournaments, including Ogunkunle’s historic achievement as the only African medallist in table tennis at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“We are particularly thrilled with the growth of para-table tennis in Nigeria. The performance of Nigerian players in major international competitions is a testament to the country’s hard work. Nigeria is truly making a mark with Isau Ogunkunle being the only African medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. We are proud to witness another tournament this year and commend Odebode and his team for their efforts,” Perez stated.
As the Lagos ValueJet Para Table Tennis Open continues to draw elite talent and foster new champions, it stands as a vital platform for showcasing the resilience and excellence of para-athletes, advancing Nigeria’s profile in international para sports.
