Favour C. Ogbonnaya
Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has recorded a major milestone in its sporting history with the successful hosting of its first-ever tennis tournament since attaining university status.
The three-day event, tagged LASUSTECH Open Tennis Competition,brought together students, tennis enthusiasts, and members of the university community in a celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.
Sixteen players competed in the knockout tournament, with Qudus Adesina of the Insurance Department emerging champion after defeating Abdul in the final to become the inaugural winner of the competition.
Qudus navigated a challenging route to the title, defeating Adrien in the opening round, Serina in the quarterfinals, and Pius in the semifinals before overcoming Abdul in the championship match.
Speaking after his victory, the newly crowned champion described the achievement as a significant moment in his tennis career. "This victory is a great start for something even bigger," Qudus said. "It is my first time winning a medal as a tennis player, and I am very excited about it."
He also commended the organizers for the successful execution of the event and gave special recognition to the LASUSTECH Tennis Club for making the competition possible.
For Abdul, who finished as first runner-up, the tournament was equally memorable. "I played my best, but the better player won," he said while congratulating Qudus on his triumph.
Abdul explained that although he is passionate about sports, particularly football and boxing, he is relatively new to tennis, making his silver-medal finish a meaningful achievement.
The organizer of the competition and captain of the LASUSTECH Tennis Club, Tuakli-Lawson Serina, described the tournament as a historic achievement for the institution.
According to Serina, the event represents the first tennis tournament organized by LASUSTECH since its transition from a polytechnic to a university. "Everyone is a winner," she said while expressing appreciation to all participants and members of the tennis club for contributing to the success of the competition.
Serina acknowledged the challenges encountered during the planning stages but said she was proud to have pioneered the initiative and see it come to fruition. She also extended appreciation to the club's coaches and supporters, including Coach Zico, Coach Duke, Coach Dipo, Coach Connell, and Mr. Daphson, whose approval, encouragement, and moral support helped make the tournament a reality.
Beyond the tennis action, the event featured music, games and challenges, networking opportunities, food and drinks, creating a lively atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
"We are grateful to everyone who cheered the players on during the tournament. This is only the beginning, and we believe the next edition will be bigger and better than what we have witnessed this year," she said.
Serina further thanked members of the university community whoturned out to support the players throughout the competition andexpressed optimism that the successful staging of the LASUSTECH Open Tennis Competition would mark the beginning of a new chapter for tennis within the university and reflects a growing commitment to sporting excellence and student engagement.
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