China-NUJ Table Tennis Tournament ends in style as Chioma Amajor wins Female Singles title

The 7th edition of the China–NUJ FCT Council annual table tennis tournament ended on a bright and celebratory note, with Chioma Amajor of the NUJ Abuja Correspondents Chapel emerging as the female singles champion.

While declaring the event open, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, praised the longstanding friendship, teamwork and healthy sporting rivalry between the NUJ and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria. She said table tennis represents more than a sport, describing it as a “celebration of skill, agility and perseverance,” values she noted align strongly with journalism and the unity it promotes.

She expressed appreciation to the China Cultural Center for its continued support.

“Their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and friendship through sport truly enriches this event.”

“We are grateful for their partnership and dedication to strengthening ties between our communities,” she said.

Amajor defeated Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Center 11-2, 8-11, 11-9 in the final to claim the 2025 Abuja title, while Chen Huiling finished third.

In the male singles category, Ignatius Nkoh of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) placed third behind champion He Ling and first runner-up Wang Yongtao.

The competition also saw strong performances from Nigerian journalists, including Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who impressed on his tournament debut.

Okoye defeated his Chinese opponent in the round of 32 in straight sets and later beat compatriot Fortune Abang 2-0 in the Round of 16, before bowing out in the quarter-finals to top-ranked Chinese player Gao Qian after a tense two-set battle.

In the men’s doubles, the pair of Wang Yongtao and He Ling emerged champions, followed by runners-up Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita, while Ignatius Okoh and Nwokocha finished third.

For the mixed doubles category, Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling won the title.

He Ling and Nie Xiaohua placed second, while Tan Jian and Wan Lu took third place.

Winners across all categories received N250,000, while second-place competitors received N200,000 and those in third place earned N150,000.

At the opening ceremony, the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Tang Jianxing, described the competition as an example of “table tennis diplomacy.” He said Nigeria remains one of China’s closest friends globally, noting that the two nations share deep mutual respect.

Jianxing, who is also the Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, added that the event creates an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their bond through sports.

“I have to thank the NUJ and all journalists in your country. Without your understanding and your focus on China, your appreciation of Chinese culture, the mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic partnership between both countries would not stand the test of time,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of NAN, Mallam Ali M. Ali, represented by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Oluwole Shogunle, said the tournament reflects the values NAN promotes.

“It fosters friendship, stronger bilateral relations and team building,” he said.

Similarly, the Director-General of NTA, Mr. Salihu Dembos, applauded the Chinese Cultural Centre for sustaining the tournament to its 7th edition.

Represented by Mr. Ademuyi Kayode, he highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in table tennis since it became an Olympic sport in 1988 and suggested involving the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation in future editions.

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