C'River Table Tennis Chairman Set to Build World-Class Table Tennis Hub in Calabar

By Missang AKPET

The Chairman of Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has revealed plans to build a modern table tennis facility with an athlete hostel in Calabar. 

The hub is aimed at fixing poor infrastructure and funding gaps that have stalled the sport in the state.

Speaking on the state of sports generally in Cross River, Duke said lack of training halls and proper equipment is killing young talent. 

He opined that instead of spending money on international training trips, it will be more advantageous if the players are exposed to longer play in a permanent home for athletes.

“One month in China costs what it takes to build a hostel,” Duke said. “I want a facility with at least 20 beds. If we use double bunks, that’s 40 athletes at once. You can’t build discipline without isolating them and training them properly.”

He hinted that he will be erecting a full sports hub along Lemna in Calabar with a hall big enough for 12 tables, 2 outdoor fields, a track, and a multi-floor hostel.

Duke stated that he has led Cross River table tennis since 1988 and will be facilitating this personally because UJ Esuene Stadium has no space to accommodate such a project.

“Since 1988 I’ve handled everything – their finances, their welfare,” he said. The state produced stars like Offiong Edem and Cecilia Akpan, but now faces a generation gap as Veterans are retiring, and young players are either poached by other states or switch to football which is more lucrative."

"Costs are high. A pair of pro rubbers costs ₦250,000 and needs monthly replacement. I can train them, but the state must employ them. We’ll be firm. These facilities are for athletes willing to play for Cross River State,” he said.

 Duke however gave a 2 year timeline to produce the next batch of stars.