Ex-Pro Diaspora is praised by stakeholders for grassroots squash development

On Sunday, some participants praised the Ex-Pro Diaspora tournament organisers for fostering squash at the grassroots level at the competition’s recent fourth edition, which just ended.

In separate interviews with OBASANJO NEWS24 in Lagos, the stakeholders expressed their praise.

The Ex-Pro Diaspora is a group of retired players who have relocated abroad and who host tournaments to support squash and grow the game at the grassroots level.

A squash player from the United States named Jiya Desai and her father Sam Desai, who both contributed some rackets and other equipment to the competition, pleaded with the organisers not to give in.

“The organisers did well by setting up this tournament for them, and in a few years they’ll be more skilled,” Jiya remarked.

“The organisers are focused, and that will result in a close race at the senior level.

“Coming here and watching these players is such a beautiful sight to behold, their energy is amazing, and they pick their balls no matter the distance.”

Sam agreed and encouraged the kids to keep working hard to improve their abilities by frequently competing in competitions.

“This is our first trip to Africa, and it’s incredible to see this talent-filled group; with regular competition, they’d be super stars.”

“It’s refreshing to see a friendly face at every turn since Nigerians are so warm. Our perception of it is incorrect, Sam remarked.

An APC leader named Olayiwola Niniola told NAN that he would like to support the organisers’ plan in order to give the kids more alternatives in life.

“I adore kids, so I’m all for anything that helps them. What these former athletes have done for them is admirable, and I’m delighted to see it.

“I’d like to support two Ogun players. A child who wants to play an active sport like squash must be well fed, therefore I’d be responsible for their maintenance, nutrition, and education, he said.

The commandant of the Custom Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, Hanniel Hadison, praised the organisers for their perseverance over the previous four years.

“I’m proud to see these; it gave me chills to watch them. Since this is how we got started, there is no other way to pay back than to provide these kids opportunity.

He declared, “This is a worthy course, and I’d keep supporting them personally to the best of my ability.”

The organisers were praised for their dedication to the growth of squash at the grassroots level by Boye Oyerinde, president of the Nigeria Squash Federation.

“I was impressed with how these young people demonstrated their skills; regardless of age, the energy on the court is contagious.

Because they have got off to a good start, he remarked, “I commend the organisers; this will further develop squash at the grassroots and senior levels.”