A 12-year-old prodigy, David Uche Agu, has emerged as a rising star in Enugu after clinching the top prize at the maiden SWAN Inter-Secondary School Table Tennis Competition, hosted by the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Representing Command Day Secondary School, 82 Division, Enugu, Agu produced a dominant performance in the final, sweeping past Udenwagu Chidubem of Sacred Heart College in straight sets: 11-6, 13-11, 11-6.
The tournament, held at the Enugu State Sports Council, featured seven schools across the state and ran for three days.
It was jointly organised by SWAN Enugu and the Enugu State Table Tennis Association, with support from key stakeholders aiming to revive grassroots sports.
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Sponsor of the event, Evangelist Jonhgold Chiekezie, praised both the organisers and the Table Tennis Association for championing the initiative and pledged his continued support for future editions.
“I believe events like this will help redirect the energy of our youths into productive and competitive activities. Supporting sports development is my passion,” Chiekezie stated.
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He also called on Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah to support similar initiatives geared toward youth engagement and talent discovery.
Highlighting the importance of broadening Nigeria’s sporting focus beyond football, Chief Sunday Agali, Acting Chairman of the Enugu State Table Tennis Association, said the competition was both timely and necessary.
“Table tennis is a psychologically engaging sport; This competition serves as a great platform to review and revive the sport in our state.”
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His call was echoed by Mr. Chibuzor Nwoye, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, who applauded the sponsor for partnering with SWAN to take table tennis directly to the school level.
He described the initiative as “a vital step toward encouraging the growth of non-football sports in the region.”
After lifting the trophy, David Agu could hardly contain his excitement.
“I feel great winning this competition. I’ve been training hard for it, and I’m grateful to my parents for supporting me,” he said.
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With passion in his voice, Agu, an Abia State native, declared table tennis as his favourite sport and shared his dream of playing the game professionally.
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Agu, who described table tennis as his favorite sport, also revealed his dream to one day play the game professionally.
In the earlier third-place playoff, College of the Immaculate Conception, Uwani, defeated Union High Boys, Awkunanaw, in straight sets: 11-5, 11-4, 11-6.
