China-NUJ Table Tennis Tournament Strengthens Nigeria-China Relations

The  China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN) in collaboration with the  Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, have hosted the 6th edition of China- NUJ Table Tennis annual tournament which brought together  players from both countries in a celebration of friendship and sportsmanship.

The tournament, which is part of the CCCN’s efforts to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy between Nigeria and China, has become a highly anticipated event in the Nigerian sports calendar.

In his opening remarks, the Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing,  said that the tournament is a testament to the growing friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and China.

“Table tennis is a popular sport in both Nigeria and China, and this tournament provides a platform for our people to come together, compete, and learn from each other. We are committed to strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two countries, and we believe that sports and cultural exchange programs like this tournament are essential to achieving that goal”, Yang said.

Mr. Yang, further commended the Nigerian government and people for their friendly support.

“We are grateful for the warm welcome and support that we have received from the Nigerian people. We look forward to continuing to work together to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries,” He said.

In a similarly vien, the Chairman,  Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Mr. Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Chinese people, who have been invaluable partners in this endeavor.

“We appreciate their commitment to our shared goals and look forward to continuing our collaboration. Today, we gather to compete in a spirit of friendship and sportsmanship. While language barriers may exist, we have found ways to communicate and connect through our shared passion. At the end of the day, we will crown a champion, but more importantly, we will have fostered greater understanding and cooperation between our peoples”, he said

He added that their businesses have been instrumental in promoting engagement between the two communities.

“As we celebrate our differences and commonalities, we are reminded that our diversity is our strength. This event is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the importance of building bridges between nations”, He added.

The  Chairman,  FCT Table Tennis Association, Navy Captain Jelani Umar,  represented by the Deputy Director,  Sports Development, FCT Sports Department, Iyiola Ogundele, noted that beyond engaging in table tennis at a competitive level, it is one of the easiest ways of keeping fit particularly in this time when technological advancement has made Nigerians lazy in the way they spend most of their times with their phones for fun rather than engaging in physical activities which Table tennis provides.

“The association is deeply grateful for the support of the Chinese Embassy in this tournament. China as we all know, is renowned for its prowess in table tennis and we see this tournament as an opportunity to learn from the best. We wish to therefore sincerely appreciate the embassy for their support”, he noted

He  assure that the Association’s doors will remain open to journalists to build on a  partnership that is beyond Table Tennis to other sports.

“Part of our plans in the Association is to nurture young talent and reviving the sports in primary and secondary schools across the FCT in order to catch them young. We plan to also engage the Area Council Authorities to replace the viewing centres winch have unfortunately become centres for illicit activities with community table tennis centres. Our aim with this is to revive the sports for both leisure and competition which can serve as an avenue for economic empowerment”, he assured

The tournament drew participants across different media house in Abuja, the FCT.