By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar

Five hundred table tennis players are expected to storm Calabar, the Cross River State capital, for the second edition of the Calabar Table Tennis Challenge, scheduled for 14, December, 2024 at the UJ Esuene Sports Stadium.

The players, expected from four states of the federation will visit the state to participate in the second edition of the tennis competition as part of the activities of the Carnival Calabar festival.

Vice Chairman, Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Bishop Usen Umoh, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Monday in Calabar.

Umoh stated that the players will storm the state capital for the competition with players and tennis enthusiasts making themselves available for the event which will produce lot of winners that will coast home with a star prize and consolation prizes.

He said, “This exciting event is expected to attract over 500 table tennis enthusiasts from the South-South region, alongside tourists who will be in Calabar for the yuletide festivities and the Calabar Carnival.

“The tournament will serve as a platform to highlight the rich sporting culture of Cross River State, foster youth engagement, and promote healthy living through sports.

“As the custodian of information and public engagement, we recognize the critical role the NUJ plays in capturing, reporting, and promoting key activities that shape our community.

“We kindly request your esteemed members to actively participate in the event by covering the activities, interacting with athletes and stakeholders, and amplifying the message of youth empowerment and sports development.”