Photo Credit: Mama Tunde Alaso Racket Festival / Punch Newspapers
Young Talents Dominate 6th Mama Tunde Alaso Racket Festival in Ibadan

Fresh champions have emerged in badminton, squash, and tennis at the 6th edition of the Mama Tunde Alaso Racket Festival, which ended over the weekend at the Ibadan Recreation Club, opposite Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan.

The week-long tournament, organised by former Nigerian squash star, Adekunle Adebiyi, brought together young and upcoming players as well as established stars from across the country to compete for honours in the three racket sports.

In badminton, the men’s final was an all-Ogun State affair as Adenekan Samuel defeated Abayomi Samuel 2-0 (21-18, 21-19) to lift the trophy. In the women’s final, Ogun State’s Odunayo Omotayo beat Dolapo Babatunde of Ondo State 2-0 (21-11, 21-18).

Squash produced thrilling contests, especially in the junior categories:
• U-15 Girls: Esther Bob defeated Elizabeth Adebayo 3-0 (11-3, 15-13, 12-10) • U-15 Boys: Miracle Ekpo edged Daniel Awe 3-2 (11-8, 9-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6) • U-19 Girls: Zainab Ishola beat Elizabeth Adebayo 3-1 (7-11, 11-3, 11-2, 12-10) • U-19 Boys: Elisha Daniel overcame Nanme Rindap 3-2 (11-5, 3-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6)
The prize package was sponsored by Taylor Afolayan in support of grassroots sports development. In squash, ₦100,000 was shared equally among winners in the U-15 and U-19 boys and girls categories, with each champion also receiving a new racket and racket bag. In badminton and tennis, winners received two rackets, racket bags and awards each, while runners-up went home with one racket, a racket bag and an award.

A raffle draw added colour to the closing ceremony, with U-15 player Thomas Emmanuel winning the star prize of a laptop. Other participants won AirPods, power banks, handbags and cash prizes.

The closing ceremony was graced by the President of the Nigeria Squash Federation, Taylor Afolayan, Sunday Wilson Egberipou and other dignitaries, who lauded the organisers for sustaining the festival and promoting racket sports at the grassroots.

The event ended with a call for more private sector involvement to discover and nurture the next generation of Nigerian champions in badminton, squash and tennis.
Source: Punch Newspapers