No fewer than 97 players will be jostling for prestigious prizes at the second edition of the Ex-Squash Pros U-13 and U-16 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, from April 19 to April 21.
The Chairman of Planning Committee of the event, Yusuf Durosinlorun, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Friday.
Durosinlorun explained that the ex-Squash Pros was borne out of the need to resuscitate squash at the grassroots, which necessitated the introduction of the U-13 category.
The 2017 edition featured competitions in the U-16 and U-19 categories for boys and girls.
Thirteen states and one academy will participate in the tournament.
The states are: Lagos, Akwa-ibom, Edo, Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Osun, Ondo Abia, Kaduna, Rivers, Imo and Kwara as well as Headwaters Academy.
“We are committed toward ensuring that we revive the dwindling status of squash and as former players, we know it is important players get introduced to this game early enough.
“We, the ex-professionals, understand the need for this competition, we just finished a junior tournament at Sunfit which was mainly for junior players.’’
The chairman said five players were disqualified due to age-related issues, noting that such issues had impeded the development of the sport in the country.
He said: “In the past, attention was not paid to age verification which affected the development of squash because when players are playing for the wrong category, it will only slow down their development.
“So, we had to disqualify some of the players that registered because they did not fit into any of the age categories.’’
Trending
- Court remands task force official for alleged murder
- EFCC has adjusted its blunder, now claims Bello stole N80b within first three weeks in office — Media Office
- PDP Caucus extends Damagum’s tenure as acting Chairman
- Lagos reacts to allegation of Ministry’s refusal to shelter minor forced to have abortions
- AltBank, Sterling One Foundation, Lagos Foodbank combat hunger, champion education
- Nigerian professors jailed in Cameroon petition House of Reps
- Stanbic IBTC seeks way to maximise Nigeria’s energy potentials
- MOSOP speaks on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway