China-NUJ FCT Table Tennis Tournament: Amajor, Ling Claim Top Honours As Friendship Through Sport Deepens
At a time when cultural diplomacy increasingly shapes global relationships, the 2025 China-NUJ FCT Table Tennis Tournament once again proved that sport remains one of the most powerful bridges between nations.
The 7th edition of the annual championship ended in Abuja at the weekend with a blend of excitement, rivalry and camaraderie on display, underscoring the enduring friendship between Nigeria and China.
Chioma Amajor of the NUJ Abuja Correspondents Chapel emerged champion in the female singles, defeating Nie Xiaohua of the Chinese Cultural Centre 11–2, 8–11, 11–9 in a thrilling final. Chen Huiling finished third.
In the men’s singles, China’s He Ling beat compatriot Wang Yongtao to clinch the 2025 title, while NTA’s Ignatius Nkoh secured third place.
Newcomer Victor Okoye of the News Agency of Nigeria impressed many, sailing through the early rounds before a narrow quarter-final exit to top-rated Gao Qian.
The duo of Wang Yongtao and He Ling also won the men’s doubles, with Shi Changqiang and Xui Haita finishing runners-up.
Mixed doubles honours went to Shi Changqiang and Che Huiling.
Winners received ₦250,000, runners-up ₦200,000 and third-place contenders ₦150,000.
Declaring the event open, NUJ FCT Council Chair, Comrade Grace Ike, praised the tournament for reinforcing collaboration and unity.
She described table tennis as “a celebration of skill, agility and perseverance, values that resonate deeply with journalism.”
Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr Tang Jianxing, described the competition as part of “table tennis diplomacy,” noting the strong and longstanding friendship between Nigeria and China.
Goodwill messages also came from the leadership of NAN and the NTA, both of whom commended the initiative for strengthening bilateral ties and promoting talent.
With the quality of play recorded this year, NTA Director-General, Mr Salihu Dembos, suggested that the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation may soon need to be involved.
The 2025 edition, once again, demonstrated how sport continues to unite professionals, deepen cultural understanding and strengthen international partnerships.
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