Ex-squash pro in Disapora championship ends in Lagos

Ifeanyi Eduzor

The fourth edition of the ex-squash pro in Diaspora championship was successfully concluded Saturday, August, 19, 2023 at the squash Court of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere
Lagos.
Organised by former Nigerian squash players as a way of giving back to the society and encouraging grassroots development of the game, it attracted kids whose ages ranged from 11-16 years who took to the court to display their knowledge of the racket game
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of ex- squash pro in diaspora Friday odeh said that he’s excited with the turn out of the kids and the talents they displayed noting that it’s a confirmation that the country boasts of talented athletes who can become world beaters when fully nurtured.
According to him, the U-11 tournament was introduced for the first time in the history of squash tournament in the country inorder to catch the kids young on time even as he advocated for more grassroots competitions that will enable the kids get adequate exposure in the game.
I’m highly excited with the turn out of the kids from various schools and clubs. The kids not only showed they are talented but have good knowledge of the game and I believe that with adequate facilities and exposure, some of them will go far in the game of squash.
Odeh who is a squash assessor in the United States said that although he has not fully achieved his target of introducing the championship but was optimistic that next year’s edition will be better.
” To tell you the truth, I’ve not really achieved my target with the tournament but the good news is that it’s getting better every year and am optimistic next year’s edition will be better because when I go back to the United States, I will see how to get more equipment for the fifth edition that will surpass what we have this year.
Tournament Director/ Technical Committee Chairman of Nigeria Squash Federation, Yusuf Durosinlorun expressed happiness with the successful hosting of the tournament even as he charged corporate organisations to take more interest in grassroots squash development.
“We at the Federation are highly excited with what the sponsor has been doing through this championship and I want to challenge corporate Nigeria to sponsor more squash tournaments because Nigeria boasts of talented players who can win laurels for the country in the game both locally and internationally when fully exposed and motivated.
Also speaking, former national team player who also doubles as the Commandant of Nigeria Customs Service Training College, Ikeja, Hannel Hadison commended the organisers for putting up a seamless competition, noting that with more of such championships, Nigeria will take it’s rightful position in the game of squash both at the continental and global level.
Meanwhile, in the finals of the U-11 girls event, Khadijat Durosinlorun defeated Shetemi Adekunle by three straight sets of 11/6, 21/19 and 11/6 to emerge winner while in the boys category, Lanre Yusuf recorded another three straight victory of 11/5, 11/9 and 11/8 over David Awe to be crowned champion.
In the girls U-13 finals, Ulisis Gift Awaritoma recorded a 3-2 win of 11/4, 5/11, 2/11, 11/7 and 14/12 over Loveth Balogun to win the title while Ayomide Omotayo beat Kennedy Ola by 3-2 of 13/11, 3/11, 4/11, 13/11 and 11/12 to win the boys category.
Also the U-16 girls saw Khadijat Abdulraheem defeating Awawu Balogun by 3-0 of 11/5, 11/4, 11/8 to emerge champion while in the boys event, Shuaib Giwa recorded a 3-0 victory of 11/7, 13/11 and 12/20 over Mathew Yusuf to win the event.
At the end of the competition, the players received many gift items that will enhance their game
More than 100 children took part in the championship which attracted many squash enthusiasts who came to watch them display on the court.