India, China arrive today for ITTF Nigeria Open

With less than 24 hours to the commencement of hostilities in the 2018 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos, the contingents of India and China are expected in Lagos today in readiness for the qualifying round of the championship holding from August 8 to 12.

One of the Indian sensations expected at the tournament is 19-year-old Mudit Dani who has decided to take a foray into the senior cadre when he competes at the Nigeria Open.

Mudit Dani, a former ITTF Junior Circuit champion will be playing his first senior tournament in Lagos but he is unperturbed by the pedigree of stars heading to Nigeria.

“Yes this is my first ever appearance on ITTF’s 3 tier Professional Platform (Challenge Series/World Tour/ Platinum Tour). Talking to the Indian players who played at last year’s Nigeria Open, I heard that it is one of the best events to play at. The stands are full of loud and enthusiastic supporters that appreciate and understand table tennis. They are extremely proud of their Nigerian players but also show a lot of love and support to international players something that is not so common at other world events. In short, they make you feel warm and encourage you to do your best, and I can’t wait to play in front of them.

“With India’s top few players preparing for the Asian Games in August, the next few players including some young upcoming players have been given a chance to play at the Nigeria Open. This would be the perfect chance for us to prove ourselves on the world platform and gain experience of playing on the senior circuit.”