The Minister of  Youth and  Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has reiterated Government's commitment to support the trio of table-tennis champions - Usman Okanlawon and the Mustapha brothers through the Talent Hunt Programme to enable them win more laurels for the country.

 

The  Minister gave this assurance  in his office in Abuja when he received in audience  the  three champions,  Usman Okanlawon,  Musa and Mustafa Mustafa who were  led by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Table Tennis Federation Engineer Ishaku Tikon.

 

Mr. Dare said their adoption into the fold of the Table Tennis Federation is very important as it would expose them to tournaments that would sharpen and hone their skill through sponsorship.

 

"We are excited because our emphasis on other sports is paying off. I'm excited and thrilled that Nigerian Athletes are performing excellently well. Nigeria is proud of your performance which is an indication that our grassroots sports development is on a progressive chart".  

 

The  Minister added ''The Talents Hunt Programme of the Ministry will adopt and support the Mustapha brothers and Usman Okanlawon.They will be supported  anytime they are to take part in competition. They will be closely monitored so that they can continue to excel''.

 

He attributed  the performances of  Okanlawon, silver medalist in the Under 15 Youngsters Contender series and the Mustapha brothers' 11th and 14th ITTF ranking as a testament of their immense talent.

 

Mr Dare  also commended the  excellent performances of  Nigerian Athletes like  Ese Brume, Tobi Amusan, Blessing Okagbare and Uche Eke  and  their doggedness for podium performances.

 

"We are happy that Nigerians are putting up excellent performances all over the world. Nigeria is proud of you; I am proud of you and will lend you all necessary support"

 

Caretaker committee  Chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation  Engineer Ishaku Tikon expressed delight that the Minister's  Talent Hunt Program  was already yielding results. He thanked the Minister for lending necessary support to table-tennis and other sports.