- 27th May, 2025
Yusuf Mutiu
Faruk Umar, a student of Al Hikmah University Ilorin, representing Kwara State at the National Sports Festival currently going on in Ogun state tagged Gateway 2024, has defeated a foreign based and professional, Olabode Kayode.
Kayode represented the host state in Table Tennis singles category, and he had been tipped as one of the players to scoop the highest honor in the event, but it was a shock to everyone present when he was paired with Umar Faruk from Kwara, who is still a junior player at the Round of 64.
The fierce Faruk started the game like a house on fire and immediately seized the initiative, going on to win the tie with a 3-2 in a best of five games.
Faruk’s win against an opponent as strong as Olabode Kayode rapidly raised the spirit within Kwara Table Tennis representatives and also instilled hope in other athletes that they can do the state proud if they stay disciplined.
Kwara Table Tennis contingents under Coach Ayelabegan will continue their sojourn to win more medals for the state as the tournament winds down at Alake Sports Center today amid little stoppage owing to the peaceful demonstration of Ogun State Athletes.
Engr. Jimoh Cook Ridwan, CEO JCR Engineering Constructions supported this reporter to cover Gateway 2024.