Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Khamis Mailantarki, has pledged that the newly inaugurated executive board will usher in a transformative era for Nigeria table tennis, built on transparency, grassroots expansion, and nationwide participation.
Mailantarki emphasized that the board is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, ensuring that every decision reflects professionalism, accountability, and a clear long-term vision for the sport.
“We are committed to the highest level of governance. Everything we do will be guided by professionalism and transparency,” he affirmed.
A major priority for the new administration is grassroots development, which Mailantarki described as the foundation for producing future champions.
He said Nigeria must return to robust school sports programmes if the country is to produce elite players capable of competing on the African and global stage.
“Grassroots development is our priority. We must return to the schools, where young talent can be discovered early and nurtured properly,” he said.
To achieve this, the federation plans to build strategic partnerships with schools, communities, corporate sponsors, and international bodies to expand access to equipment, coaching, and organized competition.
“We will take table tennis to every corner of Nigeria. The sport must be accessible to all, not just a privileged few,” Mailantarki explained.
He stressed the importance of giving young players consistent opportunities to compete, locally and internationally, as frequent exposure accelerates growth, confidence, and tactical development.
“Competition builds champions. Our young talents must have tournaments, camps, trials, and platforms to showcase themselves,” he noted.
Mailantarki also highlighted the need to upgrade the technical capacity of coaches, referees, and administrators, arguing that Nigeria cannot hope to produce world-class athletes without equally world-class guidance.
“For players to grow, our coaches and officials must grow. Capacity building is essential for everyone involved in the sport,” he said.
He concluded by expressing strong confidence that Nigeria can reclaim its top position on the continent.
“The future is bright. With unity, structure, and hard work, Nigeria will produce new table tennis stars and return to the summit of African table tennis,” Mailantarki said.
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