By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The 7th China–NUJ FCT Council Annual Table Tennis Tournament concluded at the weekend with Chioma Amajor of the NUJ Abuja Correspondents Chapel emerging as the new female singles champion, rounding off a lively and competitive event that showcased both sporting excellence and cultural exchange.

Declaring the tournament open, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, commended the enduring partnership between the Union and the Chinese Cultural Centre. She described the tournament as a reflection of the strong friendship and cooperation between both bodies.

“Table tennis is more than just a sport; it represents skill, agility and perseverance—values that align with the spirit of journalism,” she said. “We appreciate the China Cultural Center for their unwavering support and their role in strengthening ties between our communities.”

Amajor claimed the female singles title after defeating Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11–2, 8–11, 11–9 in a spirited final. Chen Huiling secured third place.

In the men’s singles, China’s He Ling finished top, with Wang Yongtao placing second and NTA’s Ignatius Nkoh taking third.

NAN’s Victor Okoye, competing for the first time, impressed spectators by defeating a Chinese opponent in straight sets in the Round of 32. He later beat compatriot Fortune Abang before bowing out in the quarter-finals against top-rated player Gao Qian.

The men’s doubles crown went to the duo of Wang Yongtao and He Ling. Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita placed second, while Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha finished third. In the mixed doubles, Shi Changqiang and Chen Huiling took first place, followed by He Ling and Nie Xiaohua, with Tan Jian and Wan Lu coming third.

Winners received ₦250,000 in cash prizes, runners-up ₦200,000, and third-place finishers ₦150,000.

Speaking earlier, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Tang Jianxing, described the tournament as an expression of “table tennis diplomacy” and a testament to the solid bond between Nigeria and China.

“Nigeria is among the top five friendly nations to China,” he said, noting the mutual respect shared by both countries. “Without your understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, our comprehensive strategic partnership would not stand this firmly.”

In a goodwill message, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Ali M. Ali—represented by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr. Oluwole Shogunle—said the event embodies values NAN holds dear, including friendship, cooperation and team spirit.

Director-General of NTA, Mr. Salihu Dembos, represented by General Manager Sports, Mr. Ademuyi Kayode, commended the organisers for sustaining the tournament into its seventh edition. He highlighted Nigeria’s rising profile in global table tennis and urged greater involvement from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, noting the high level of talent on display.

The annual tournament remains one of the most vibrant symbols of sport-driven cultural exchange between Nigeria and China, consistently strengthening professional ties and nurturing emerging talent.