China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through sports development, cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement.

Cultural Counsellor, Chinese Embassy, Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said this at the opening ceremony of a tournament co-organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in Abuja.

Mr Yang said the competition had evolved beyond sporting activities into a platform for fostering friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between Nigerians and Chinese residents.

“Table tennis is a popular sport among the people of both China and Nigeria. More than that, it serves as a bridge of friendship, bringing our two peoples closer together,” he said.

He added that sports exchanges transcended language and cultural differences, enabling people from different backgrounds to understand one another and build mutual trust.

Mr Yang commended the NUJ FCT Council for its sustained partnership with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre.

The envoy noted that the Nigerian media had played an important role in promoting understanding of bilateral relations.

He acknowledged the contributions of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and Chinese enterprises to trade, investment, industrial development and people-to-people exchanges.

“The tournament is taking place in the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China,” he said.

Mr Yang also recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposals on African peace and security and cooperation in the mining sector.

According to him, they reflect China’s commitment to respecting Africa’s development choices and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships.

He urged participants to use the tournament to strengthen cooperation among the sporting, media and business communities.

“Friendship grows stronger through exchanges, and cooperation becomes more sustainable through mutual trust,” he said.

Chairperson, NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, described the tournament as an opportunity for journalists to build relationships beyond the demands of newsroom assignments and professional deadlines.

She said the competition promoted physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and professional solidarity.

“For eight editions, the Centre has continued to demonstrate genuine friendship and commitment to cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement,” Ms Ike said.

She expressed appreciation to China for sustaining the partnership and supporting the tournament, adding that the prizes were secondary to the friendship and unity fostered among participants.

“We played to win. But we also remember that at the end of every match, we must remain one, united, colleagues and members of one professional family,” she said.

Ms Ike congratulated the winners and other participants, expressing the council’s commitment to strengthening the partnership in subsequent editions.

The competition featured men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

In the men’s singles, Ignatius Nkwoh emerged winner, while Xu Haitao came second and Eke Nwokeocha finished third.

Xu Haitao and Shi Changqiang won the men’s doubles event, while Nie Xiaohua emerged winner of the women’s singles, followed by Zhang Yaping and Wu Tianxia.

Shi Changqiang and Zhang Yaping won the mixed doubles, with Xu Haitao and Wu Tianxia finishing second, while Musa Odion and Chioma Love came third.

The annual tournament brings together Nigerian journalists and members of the Chinese community, using sports as a platform for cultural interaction and stronger bilateral relations.

(NAN)