Paralympics: Nigeria faces tough opponent in table tennis

Team Nigeria is set to be in action when the table tennis competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympics kicks off on Thursday, August 29.

The team has been drawn against opponents from England and China in the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles respectively.

The long-awaited draw for the Doubles and Mixed Doubles events in Para table tennis concluded on Monday, August 26, at the South Paris Arena, where intense competition will take place over 10 thrilling days.

The draw promises a thrilling contest and a tight first four days of competition, highlighting para table tennis as a cornerstone of the Paralympics since its debut at the first Paralympics in Rome in 1960.

As one of the eight founding sports — alongside para-athletics, para-swimming, para-archery, snooker, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair basketball — para-table tennis has a rich history that even predates its inclusion in the Olympics by almost three decades.

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Kayode Alabi and Faith Obazuaye will compete in the Mixed Doubles event, facing Great Britain duo Joshua Stacey and Bly Twomey.

Meanwhile, Alabi and Victor Farinloye will face Chinese pair Huang Jiaxin and Peng Weinan. Alabi and Obazuaye will start their fight from the Round of 32 of the Mixed Doubles, while Alabi and Farinloye will start their fight for victory in the Round of 16 of the Men’s Doubles.

A confident Alabi expressed their readiness to fight against all odds: “We are ready to face any opponent because we have been well prepared for the challenge in Paris. There is no doubt that we are facing a strong opponent, but we will not give up easily and hope to advance to the next round,” said the African Champions in Class 6.

Team coach Nasiru Sule is also optimistic about their chances but acknowledges the difficulties ahead: “It won’t be easy at all because they are a strong team, but we will give our best.”

According to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), para-table tennis has grown significantly, and at Paris 2024, as many as 280 athletes will compete in 31 medal events, showcasing the sport’s incredible evolution and growing popularity.

At the Rome 1960 Paralympics, some 130 athletes competed in 11 medal sports, marking the beginning of the sport’s remarkable journey at the Paralympic level.

The singles draw is scheduled for August 30, adding to the growing excitement. As the competition draws near, anticipation is high for what promises to be an unforgettable Paralympics.

Paralympic Games: Nigeria faces tough opponents in table tennis first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.