Amputee table tennis champion seeks government support to become world star

Yusuf Adeleke in Abeokuta

A 15 year old  physically challenged Table Tennis hero, Ayobami Obadele who has won several medals for Ogun State  at various tournaments of the ping pong has raised alarm that he has been abandoned by the government in his bid to forge ahead in the game he loves with passion

Penpushing reports that, the amputee  table tennis champion with over seven years experience is still a student of Glorious College, Oloke, Abeokuta, said he is looking ahead to become world champion, if the government can come to his support.

The talented ping pong expert in an exclusive interview with Penpushing media, recalled that he represented Ogun State at various championships held in  2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively and won medals at each of the tournament for the state

Penpushing further reports that, Obadele, a registered member at Ogun State Sports Club, Ijeja Abeokuta, lamented that government non-challance towards his passion for the table tennis game is not doing him any good.

‘I am 15 years old,  I attend Glorious College at Oloke -Meji. I play Table Tennis. I won medals during youth games.  I represented Ogun state in the year    2017,2018,2019,2020 and I won medals. The state government as done nothing for me

Penpushing also reports that, he explained his passion for table tennis started as a kid, playing it on planks with his age group in the neighbourhood, until he was divinely directed to the sports council.

The young and talented ping ponger said, intensive training led to his discovery, and was found fit and qualified to represent the state, adding  at all championships  he makes the state proud

“My interest in playing table tennis was since I was a kid, I use to play it on the bench, that’s what brought me to Ijeja sports council . Being disable doesn’t affect  me, I’m just managing myself and I’m enjoying how I’m playing it, my challenges is that I have no sponsor and I have been sponsoring myself with my money and I need the state government to sponsor me with money  and materials’, he emphasised.

“I need sponsorship from the government, kits and lots more to help my passion for table tennis. Have not been playing international game, but I’m going to national camp by next year and I’m sponsoring myself there’.

‘When I brought  the award for the state, I was so happy that I went to competition and I bring back medals. I am not giving up because the government didn’t sponsor me but I’m pushing up myself, and still need government full support and assistance.

Penpushing also reports that,  Obadele  disclosed that his  parents have all  been supportive and encouraged his  career, adding that they provide him kits and sponsored his training and transportation  if there is any competition.

“My parents always support me in anything I do even when going to competition. My coach  also support me in any angle including advice. I am  from Ogun State, Abeokuta precisely, I finished my primary school in Abeokuta here, have been playing table tennis since 7 years and that was 2014 and have been winning medals for Ogun State since then, he emphasised.

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