Organisers of the 2023 Lagos International Squash Classics, the Lagos State Squash Association (LSSA) in partnership with Premier Lotto , has announced 18,000 dollars as the price money for the Men and Women category are up for grabs.
LSSA chairman Tomi Falase at the press briefing to herald the week-long International Squash competition , disclosed that the tournament would go a long way to improve the home-based players.
The Lagos International Squash competition is expected to hold between May 9 and 13, with players from Germany, France, England, Egypt, France, Hong, Czech Republic competing alongside Nigeria’s home-based stars.
Falase who noted that said that the tournament won’t be a one-off, averred that the squash classic was an avenue and a window to showcase Nigerian talents to the world.
“This is an exciting moment for us, this is an international even with players across the world to compete with Nigerian players,” he said.’ “For the Men’s category, the prize money is 12,000 dollars while the winners for the Women’s category, the prize money is 6,000 dollars, aside this, players will also go home with ranking points.
“We are excited about this competition coming to fruition and I believe that our players will do well,” Falase added.
Also speaking on behalf of the President Nigeria The Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Boye Oyerinde , Yusuf Durosinlorun, noted that the competition would not only benefit Lagos State but the whole country.
“The benefits of the competition is enormous because there will be a lot of players outside Lagos and Nigeria competing,” he said. “Another huge benefit is that it is a 200 point-ranking tournament which will also improve our country’s international rankings, my prayer is that a Nigerian should win the tournament.”
He continued: “We are lucky to have a wild card from the international body of squash because the draws were not made in Nigeria, but by Professional Squash Players Association (PSA).
“The time schedules for the game will vary from day to day and we have all the logistics ready,” he noted.
Also speaking at the press briefing was Oluwatoyin Gaffar, the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) said that the state expected a carnival-like Lagos International Squash competition when it serve-off.
Gafaar who restated the commitment of the state government to sports development, noted that the state would continue to witness more landmark international tournaments.
“This is one of the classics that we have applauded the partnership between Lagos State and Premier Lotto (baba Ijebu) We have been on this journey for a while,” he said.
“This competition, Lagos International Squash Classic is unique because it is a ranking tournament recognised by the world body.
“We are happy because we will be hosting players from across the globe in Lagos participating alongside our home-based players.
“We will always identify and support this competition because we are always showing interest in the development of sports and at this time around, we will do more,” he said