Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Correspondents Chapel member, Chioma Amaja, has emerged female singles champion at the 7th edition of the China-NUJ-FCT Council annual table tennis competition.
She defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center (11-2, 8-11, 11-9) in the final to emerge champion of the 2025 edition in Abuja on Saturday, while Chen Huiling came third.
In the Male singles category, Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), came third behind He Ling who emerged champion and Wang Yongtao who was the first runner up.
Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria, who made his debut in the tournament, also gave a good account of himself, dismissing his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in two straight sets.
He also saw off his colleague and fellow compatriot, Fortune Abang (2-0) in the Round of 16 before bowing out gracefully in the quarter-finals to Chinese top-rated player, Gao Qian.
In the men’s double category, Wang Yangtao and He Ling emerged champions, while Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita were first runner up and Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha came third.
In the mixed double category, Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling emerged champions while He Ling and Nie Xoahua were first runner up. Tan Jian and Wan Lu came third.
The winners of each category received a cash reward of N250,000 and the first runner up received a cash reward of N200,000, while third place took home cash reward of N150,000.
Earlier at the opening ceremony, the Director of Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Tang Jianxing, said that the competition is part of table tennis diplomacy.
He said that Nigeria and China are very close friends, saying that Nigeria ranks among the first five friendly nations to China.
The Chairman, NUJ FCT Chapel, Grace Ike, commended the friendship, collaboration and healthy competition between the NUJ and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
She said that Table Tennis is more than just a sport, adding that it is a celebration of skill, agility and perseverance which are values that resonate deeply with the spirit of journalism and the unity it upholds.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the China Cultural Centre for their invaluable support in making this tournament possible,” she said.
“Their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and friendship through sport truly enriches this event.”
NAN.