Lagos – John Peters, the Chairman, Table Tennis Umpires Association of Nigeria, on Monday urged the selected Paralympics players at the just-concluded trials to remain committed and steadfast in their training.
The trials were held last week in Lagos to select players for the Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil 2016) and the All African Games in Congo Brazzaville in September.
Peters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the selected players for the two Games were not final as some players would be dropped based on their current forms.
According to him, the selected players would be invited for camping ahead of the final selection, stressing that a final list would be based on current forms and performance.
The blue badge umpire, who did not mention how many players would be finally selected for the two Games, noted that they hold their destiny in their hands.
NAN reports that at the end of the two-day trials, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) selected 61 players – 35 male and 26 female – based on their performance at the trials.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“The selected players should not be carried away for being selected.
“ This is now the time for them to intensify efforts in their training and be determined to be a better player.
“It is through continuous training that they can become better,’’ Peters said.
The players, he said, should maintain their winning spirit when finally selected to represent the country in international engagements.
“I hope to see them putting up the wining zeal when they are to wear the country’s flags.
“Their target is to always get better and improve on previous records,’’ he said.
NAN reports that 121 players from 17 states participated in the trials held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. (NAN)