Our target is to set a world stage record for players-NTF

Our target is to set a world stage record for players-NTF

Athletes

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Shammah Makpa, the Secretary General of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), says the Federation`s target is to develop and set a world stage record for players.

Makpa disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the just concluded International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Junior J30 in Abuja.

He said the competition is a component of the federation’s long long-term plan for development of players.

“It serves as a means of providing a stage on which young players showcase their abilities before we choose the best among them.

“The selected ones in the future would take over from the aging ones.

“ Prospective players that performed exceptionally during this tournament will be eligible to compete in future competitions,” he said.

Mapka said that having the competition in Nigeria has saved the federation from sourcing for money to sponsor players for competitions abroad.

“By holding the tournament here, we were able to accommodate more than 30 to 60 Nigerian players that chose to participate in the competition.

“This kind of competition can only accept a maximum of six players if it is held outside Nigeria,” he said.

NAN reports that the Junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings and points.

NAN reports that ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 which started on June 5, ended on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

STJ/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh