‘I Am An Ambassador Of Cross River,’ Says Veteran Table Tennis Player After Comeback Victory

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – Veteran table tennis player Mr. Anas Yakasai has described representing Cross River State as a great honour, saying he sees himself as an ambassador of the state following his dramatic comeback victory at the Cross River State Table Tennis Veterans Club Championship held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Yakasai spoke with journalists shortly after his match against an Akwa Ibom opponent, where he recovered from an early deficit to secure victory in the championship between the Cross River State and Akwa Ibom veterans’ table tennis clubs.

“It means a lot to me. It’s like I am an ambassador of Cross River State,” Yakasai said. “I am proud of Cross River State. I am proud of the governor and the people in general. They are very, very accommodating and very, very peace-loving people.”

The veteran player said representing the state goes beyond competing for trophies, noting that every appearance on the court offers an opportunity to project the image and values of Cross River to others.

Reflecting on the championship, Yakasai described the competition as a positive initiative capable of strengthening relationships among athletes across state lines.

“The game is a very, very good innovation,” he said. “It brings people together. It makes you know more people and make friends.”

He also highlighted the health benefits of sports, describing regular participation in sporting activities as a pathway to healthier living.

“Sports is medicine,” he said. “Sportsmen don’t normally take drugs because they are always active and always healthy.”

Yakasai attributed his victory to patience and composure, explaining that remaining calm enabled him to overturn the deficit and emerge victorious despite the fast pace of the game.

“You need to be calm; you don’t need to rush,” he said. “Table tennis is the fastest ball game in the world. You need to calculate. If you rush, you will lose. I became calm and I won the game.”

He urged younger players and aspiring athletes in Cross River State to embrace discipline and consistent training if they hope to excel in the sport.

“My advice is that they should make time to train regularly,” he said. “Exercise is medicine. Let them train regularly and they will become better players.

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The Cross River State Table Tennis Veterans Club Championship brought together veteran players from Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, providing a platform for healthy competition, sportsmanship and fellowship while reinforcing the role of sports in promoting unity and healthy living.