Winners have emerged in the 7th edition of Victor Uwakwe under 15 and under 21 Regions Tennis Tournament for South-East and South-South held in Enugu.

The winners emerged from Anambra, Rivers and Imo states in both categories of the tournament organised by the Enugu State Tennis Association in collaboration with the Enugu Sports Club and sponsored by Prince Victor Uwakwe.

John Nubari from Rivers and Ezeh Chidimma from Anambra won the under 21 male and female category respectively.

Chimaobi Isaac and Ayetuoma Fego from Imo and Rivers states won the under 15 category respectively. Akwa-Ibom and Cross River states did not participate in the tournament.

Speaking at the grand finale on Saturday, Mr Uwakwe said he sponsored the tournament to help young enthusiasts in tennis to develop their skills.

Mr Uwakwe said that many youths had passion for tennis but had no channel to actualise their dream of becoming professional players.

He said, “This event is tailored towards catching them young to make them better in future.’’

Urging the participants to stick to their training, Mr Uwakwe promised that the next edition would be better than the current edition.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Enugu Sports Club, Nnanna Atuonwu, said the four days tournament was full of excitement, adding that no one sustained any injury.

Also speaking, Chairman, Enugu Tennis Association, Gab Agu, while commending the sponsor of the tournament, said there was a long history of tennis in Enugu.

He, however, appealed to the state government to support Enugu Sports Club and upgrade its infrastructure.

In his remarks, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, said that tennis as a sport required more attention as it had enormous opportunities to build stars.

Mr Ekweremadu regretted that Nigerians had yet to tap from the abundant talents in tennis.

He encouraged the young tennis players to remain dedicated, reiterating the state government’s commitment to develop different sports activities.

He said, “I am happy that tennis is one of the sports with potential we are interested in investing in.  We will continue to work with the Sport Club and other stakeholders to see that tennis is developed in Enugu, for young people to benefit from it.’’

One of the winners, Isaac, described the match as a tough one, noting that he was able to triumph because of his zeal.

“I am 14 years old from Imo State and I have been playing tennis for three years now. I want to see myself playing outside Nigeria,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies and cash gifts to the winners. 

(NAN)