Cross River Shines at Niger-Delta Games as Canaan Table Tennis Team Marks 35 Years of Gold

........NDDC’s Orok Duke Pledges Support"

Cross River and Bayelsa states emerged as joint champions at the recent regional table tennis championship, with both powerhouses securing two gold medals each in a thrilling display of skills and competition.

Cross River maintained its traditional dominance in women's events, claiming:

- Women's Doubles Gold (Silver: Bayelsa; Bronze: Delta)

- Women's Singles Gold (Silver: Abia; Bronze: Ondo)

Bayelsa countered with equal prowess in men's categories, winning:

- Men's Doubles Gold (Silver: Cross River; Bronze: Edo)

- Men's Singles Gold (Silver: Ondo; Bronze: Akwa Ibom)

The tournament coincided with a major milestone for Cross River's table tennis program. Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke PhD,NDDC Commissioner representing Cross River, took the opportunity to celebrate the Canaan Table Tennis Team's unprecedented achievement of winning gold medals for the state for 35 consecutive years - the only team to maintain such consistent excellence.

"This golden generation of Canaan players has written their names in history," Duke stated. "For 35 years, through three generations of athletes, they've brought nothing but gold to Cross River. This is no accident - it's the result of dedication, proper training, and Institutional support."

The Commissioner pledged his continued backing for the program: "I charge our champions to keep making us proud. The NDDC and Cross River state will continue to invest in these athletes who have become our golden ambassadors."

Final Medal Standings:

1. Cross River - 2 Gold, 1 Silver (3 Total)

1. Bayelsa - 2 Gold, 1 Silver (3 Total)

3. Ondo - 1 Silver, 1 Bronze (2)

4. Abia - 1 Silver (1)

5. Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo - 1 Bronze each (1)

Recall that at a recent ceremony held at the Glass House, Cross River's Acting Governor Dr. Peter Odey received the NDDC Unity Torch from the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, symbolizing Cross River’s participation in the festival, which marks NDDC’s 25th anniversary.

The Niger-Delta games had prescribed a cut-off age of 25 years,but with the upcoming National Sports Festival slated to hold in Ogun State in May, 2025, we urge the Cross River Table Tennis Team to fight harder and bring back more Medals to Cross River State.

The commissioner called on all well meaning individuals and Business people to emulate the practice of adopting a Sport, out of the 38 Sports that are available and currently on offer.

This is our Season of Sweetness….

Orok Otu Duke

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