Team Nigeria is gearing up for the table tennis events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which kick off tomorrow.
The Nigerian team faces tough competition in both the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories, having been drawn against strong British and Chinese opponents.
The draw, held on Monday at the South Paris Arena, has set the stage for an exciting start to the tournament, which has been a staple of the Paralympic Games since its debut in Rome in 1960.
In the Mixed Doubles event, Kayode Alabi and Faith Obazuaye will compete against Great Britain’s Joshua Stacey and Bly Twomey.
Alabi, paired with Victor Farinloye, will face the Chinese duo of Huang Jiaxin and Peng Weinan. Alabi and Obazuaye will begin their campaign in the Round of 32, while Alabi and Farinloye will enter the Men’s Doubles in the Round of 16.
Confident about their chances, Alabi expressed readiness to confront their opponents: “We are prepared for any challenge we face in Paris.
We know we are up against strong competitors, but we are determined to advance and give our best performance,” said Alabi, the African Champion in Class 6.
Team coach Nasiru Sule is also optimistic about their chances but acknowledged the difficulty ahead: “It is not going to 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 in Paris 2024, an impressive 280 athletes will compete in 31 medal events, showcasing the sport’s remarkable evolution and rising popularity.
At the Rome 1960 Paralympics, approximately 130 athletes competed in 11 medal events, marking the beginning of the sport’s extraordinary journey at the Paralympic level.
The Singles draw is scheduled for August 30, adding to the growing excitement. With the competition fast approaching, anticipation is high for what promises to be an unforgettable Paralympic Games.
