GCIOBA 86/92 set plans expanded table tennis championship for 2026 ruby jubilee

The organisers of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) 86/92 Closed Table Tennis Championship say the second edition, scheduled for 2026, will be significantly expanded as part of activities marking the set’s 40th anniversary, Sport360NG reports.

Head of the 86/92 set, Tunbi Ashaye, said the success of the maiden edition has strengthened their commitment to sustaining the tournament as a way of giving back to the school that shaped them.

“The school gave so much to us, and the best way to honour that legacy is to support the students. Hopefully, they will also pay it forward in the future,” Ashaye said.

The inaugural tournament was won by Emmanuel Otubobola of Swanston House, and Ashaye noted that the competition will remain an annual fixture, with plans already underway to upgrade next year’s event.

“Watching the final brought back memories. I told one of my classmates that I can hardly see the balls the way we used to in our days,” he joked.

“I’m proud that our set initiated this tournament. It’s something students can look forward to, a platform to build skills from an early age. Some of them don’t even realise the talent they have until events like this reveal it.”

Ashaye added that the 2026 edition, which coincides with the set’s Ruby Jubilee of entering Government College Ibadan, will be “much bigger” alongside other anniversary activities.

Coordinator of the championship, Charles Olayinka, echoed the commitment, noting that the milestone anniversary demands a more ambitious competition.

“What we achieved this year is only a foundation. Next year will be much bigger because of our 40th anniversary,” he said. “We had 40 students from all five houses compete, and we expect even more participants next year.”

He expressed gratitude to sponsors, donors, school officials, coaches, and match officials for their contributions to the maiden edition.

Vice Chairman of the set, Aladeojebi Oluwakolade, also reaffirmed the group’s resolve to make the championship an annual event, while praising Olayinka for spearheading its organisation.