NAN-S-20
Squash
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, Nov. 16, 2017 (NAN) The 1st Ex Squash Pros Diaspora U-13 to U-16 National Squash Tournament began on Thursday in Lagos at the squash court of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament was organised mainly by former squash players based outside Nigeria.
The tournament drew participants from all the states of the federation and the FCT, with teams 15 states already represented.
According to the organisers’ spokesperson, Mubo Lawal, the tournament already has no fewer than 80 players slugging it out for honours.
“We already have more than 80 players in attendance. This is a tournament sponsored solely by the players or the game from abroad.
“It is their initiative of reviving the sport in Nigeria, and this is a good initiative coming from them.
“This tournament has no sponsorship, besides those sponsors that are abroad and they have vowed to revive the sport in Nigeria,” she said.
Speaking also, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Femi Solomon, said the group of former players was out to bring back the glory of squash in Nigeria.
“We are here to salvage the game from total extinction. We want to ensure that we also monitor the progress of these players.
“We have already set up a database for them so as to ensure continuity. We have already organised about three events in Nigeria and the fourth will be in Ibadan,” he said.(NAN)
KOJE/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)