By Ikenna Nwokedi The trio of Ezenwoke Ifechidere Greg-Michael, Sochima Okafor and Ruth Amata have emerged champions in the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 categories respectively at the second edition of the Umudioka-Awka Open Table Tennis Competition. The competition, which served off on Monday, 7th September, 2026, climaxed with a colourful closing ceremony held at the Ndi Ichie Hall, Umudioka Village, Awka.
In the U-13 category, Greg-Michael defeated Akachukwu Ezigbo to claim gold, with Ezigbo settling for silver. Uchenna Ifeanyi and Odinaka Okafor won bronze medals. In the U-15 category, defending champion Sochima Okafor retained his title with a convincing win over Desmond Ugochukwu, who took silver. Victor Raphael and Mohammed Bello claimed bronze. In the U-18 category, Ruth Amata defeated Ifeanyi Nwosu to clinch gold, while Mezie Eze and Emmanuel Nwosu settled for bronze.
The gold medalists received trophies, while all participants were presented with table tennis training kits, educational materials, medals and certificates of participation. Reacting after the event, the facilitator, Chief Anayo Obiakor, commended the teenagers for their impressive performances. Obiakor assured that the competition has come to stay and will be improved upon in subsequent editions.
He thanked the sponsor, Chief Engr. Anene Ebeze, and supporters including Stadod Global Links, Platinum World Creation Ltd, Onyeka Investment Ltd, Dr. Tochukwu Ejikeme (Medical Director of King David's Specialist Hospital, Awka), Chief Okey Igbokwe and Chief Barr. Harris Eze (CEO of Awka Museum). He also eulogized the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Bonny Akunna, and the Anambra State Table Tennis Coach, Ogonna Ibeh, for their technical input.
