More athletes are expected to compete at the sixth edition of the Offiong Edem Table Tennis Championship, with participants from 10 states already confirmed for the annual grassroots tournament.
Conceived by Nigeria’s multiple-time national champion and Olympian, Offiong Edem, the championship was established over six years ago to give back to the sport that launched her illustrious career while providing a platform for the discovery and development of young table tennis talents.
The tournament has continued to grow in stature. After attracting more than 200 participants at its previous edition, this year’s competition has drawn entries from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states, underlining its increasing appeal across the country.
The championship will take place from August 13 to 15, 2026, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Competition will be held in the Under-13 boys’ and girls’ categories, Under-15 boys’ and girls’ events, mixed doubles, and the open category.
Edem expressed appreciation to the championship’s partners for their continued support while urging greater collaboration to accommodate the rising number of participants.
“We had planned to introduce a para table tennis event this year, and we are also delighted to welcome TNC Sports as one of our sponsors,” Edem said, adding that sustained support from stakeholders would help the tournament expand its impact on grassroots table tennis development in Nigeria.
