Abia State has hosted the first edition of the South-East Tennis Championship, marking a new milestone in the state’s sporting activities, as stakeholders commended the state government for its support for sports development.
The championship, which started with an opening ceremony on Wednesday at the Aba sports club, brought together tennis players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the South-East to promote sporting excellence, discover emerging talents and encourage healthy competition among athletes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Sampson Anagha, Chairman of the Tennis Association, expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for creating an environment that supports sporting activities and provides opportunities for athletes to develop their skills.
Anagha noted that the state had continued to witness sporting events under the present administration, adding that the hosting of the regional tennis championship represented a significant development for tennis in Abia.
“Honestly, the governor has done so much for us. We keep hosting one sporting competition after another, sharpening the skills of athletes and also discovering new ones,” he said.
He observed that Abia had not previously hosted a South-East tennis championship of this nature, describing the event as evidence of growing attention to the development of the sport.
According to him, the championship would provide an opportunity for Abia to demonstrate its capacity to host regional sporting competitions while contributing to the growth of tennis across the South-East.
“Abia is ready to host and win,” Anagha declared, urging the organisers and umpires to maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of the competition.
He also encouraged the participating athletes to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship, expressing hope that the championship would contribute to the development of tennis and other sporting activities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Jane Maxwell, described the championship as an opportunity to celebrate discipline, determination and healthy competition among athletes.
Maxwell, who represented the director of sports, Mr. Obioma George, at the event, said tennis goes beyond physical strength and technical ability, noting that the sport also teaches patience, respect and perseverance.
“Tennis is not just a game of skill and strength. It is also a game that teaches patience, respect and perseverance,” she said.
She urged the players to give their best, play with confidence and respect their opponents, stressing that the values of sportsmanship should remain central to the competition.
The Permanent Secretary also commended Governor Otti for his support for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, noting that the state had continued to host sporting events under his administration.
“We’ve never had it so wonderful. It has been one competition after another. We are really grateful to him for all he is doing for the ministry of sports and youth development in the state,” Maxwell said.
She added that the frequency of sporting events had created opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities and contribute to the development of sports in Abia.
Maxwell wished the participants success and expressed hope that the matches would be exciting, fair and memorable before formally declaring the first South-East Tennis Championship open.
The Patron of the Tennis Association, Uche Oga, represented by Ugochukwu Nwoha, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting sporting activities and young people in the state.
Nwoha, who disclosed that he was once a tennis player, said he was delighted to represent the patron at the event because of his personal connection with the sport and his belief in the role of sports in youth development.
“I was once a tennis player. I represented this club, and when my brother called me to represent him at this programme, I was so happy,” he said.
He described sports as an important avenue for engaging young people, developing their talents and creating opportunities for personal growth.
“Sports is one of the best things every state needs because that is where the heart of the youths is,” Nwoha stated.
He assured the organisers that Oga remained committed to supporting the association whenever assistance was required, adding that the patron had specifically asked him to ensure that financial support was provided for the championship.
Speaking further on his assessment of sports development under Governor Otti, Nwoha expressed satisfaction with what he described as improvements in sporting activities and other sectors of the state.
He said the hosting of the South-East Tennis Championship was one of the developments that demonstrated increased attention to sports in Abia.
According to him, the state government’s support for sporting activities could encourage more athletes to pursue their talents and motivate private individuals to contribute to sports development.
Nwoha also advised young athletes participating in the championship to take their education seriously while pursuing their sporting ambitions.
“Be obedient, do the right thing at the right time, but make sure you go to school. You can be playing these games, but education is very important,” he advised.
He cautioned that athletes should prepare for life beyond their active sporting years by acquiring an education and investing their earnings in meaningful ventures.
“Whatever you are benefiting from it, either take it back to your school education or use it for something important,” he said.
Nwoha further expressed appreciation to the organisers, government officials and other stakeholders who contributed their time and resources to ensure the championship took place.
The championship is expected to provide a platform for players to test their abilities against competitors from other states, build experience and strengthen relationships among tennis associations in the region.
THE WHISTLER also reports that the first South-East Tennis Championship adds to the sporting events being hosted in Abia State, with organisers and supporters expressing optimism that the initiative would contribute to talent discovery and the long-term development of tennis in the region.