Uniquely built as the first of its kind, Kwara Squash Courts, a distinctive project spearheaded by Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, was officially inaugurated yesterday, Thursday August 15, 2024, to host the prestigious squash championship organized by the Ex Squash Players Association of Nigeria (Ex-Pro).
The championship, dubbed as the 5th Ex-Pro tournament, caters to participants under the age categories of 11, 13, and 17, drawing over 75 players from 15 states and various academies across the nation.
This event highlights the firm commitment of the Kwara State government to capitalize on its sporting strengths to establish a hub for sports and tourism within the state.
“Squash holds a special significance for us in Kwara.
“We have produced and nurtured top-tier squash players and instructors not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” elucidated Coach Bola Mogaji, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission (KSC), during a press conference held at the Kwara Football Academy (KFA).
The KSC has collaborated with Ex-Pro in organizing this squash tournament in Ilorin. Additionally, the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation, a non-governmental organization established by the Nottingham Forest FC striker and Super Eagles attacker, is also a key sponsor of the event.
Further elaborating on the exceptional nature of the Ilorin facility, Jonah Attah, the Technical Director at the Squash Federation of Nigeria (SFN), emphasized that the Ilorin courts stand out as a pioneering establishment with no comparable cluster elsewhere.
“Having traveled extensively across continents for the sport and being based in Wales, I can confidently assert that nowhere else can you find eight squash courts in a single location,” he affirmed.
Moreover, it was revealed that the Kwara Squash courts facility features two specially designed courts tailored for novice players.
“These courts are designed with altered dimensions to encourage young children to engage in the sport without feeling intimidated by the standard court sizes. This innovative concept, previously existing only on paper, has been brought to life in Ilorin,” Attah explained.
The primary objective of the championship is to identify and nurture at least 50 players in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Extending deep appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq, the President of Ex-Pro, Laurel Mubo-Ojo, expressed gratitude for the support provided by Kwara in grooming future champions for the nation.
“We are committed to fully utilizing this exceptional facility and ensuring that this tournament marks just the beginning of our collaborations with Kwara,” the former national squash champion remarked.
Also in attendance at the press conference in Ilorin were Yusuf Durosinlohun, Billy Joseph, both officials of Ex-Pro, and Sado Haruna, the Secretary of Kwara State Sports Commission.
