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WTT Contender: Foreign players laud fans, relish friendly atmosphere

Posted : 19 June 2023
The Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere has not been found wanting as far as the spectatorship is concerned during the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender.

Fans daily throng the venue to cheer on the players as they square up their favourite players.

However, some of the foreign players at the ongoing WTT Contender series ascribed their victories to the friendly atmosphere at the venue.

Christina Kallberg of Sweden said the atmosphere in Lagos was different from what she was used to.

She noted that the presence of cheering fans influenced her victory.

“It was very loud and people were going crazy, but it is actually fun to play in this kind of environment filled with cheering fans,” she said.

Although it was Tatiana Kukulkova’s first visit to Lagos, the Slovakian said the hospitality by the hosts was an added incentive to put in a good performance.

“The people are very nice and kind and of course, it is like a very different life from Europe. Europe is so different,” she said.

Prithika Pavade of France said the passion of Nigerians had influenced her game, and that the atmosphere was conducive for her.

“You know, we are really not used to this kind of support here and you can really feel the passion. Africa and the Nigerian people are super nice,” she said.

For Manav Thakkar from Indian, an injury on his shoulder was not enough to dampen his spirit.

He said he had received prompt response from a Nigerian physiotherapist, and had also won his match with the help of the cheering fans while playing against a Nigerian player.

He said the cheers from the fans made him to focus on the game, which ensured his victory.

“Overall, I am in Lagos for the first time and I think it is a very good place. I tried the food over here and it is amazing.

“The people here are very helpful because before this tournament, I injured my shoulder and everyday I have been training and getting treatment by the physio.

“It is much better now and I think I am 100 per cent fit and I am able to play at my best.

“So, I would like to thank my physio and the people who are here,” he said.

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