Husseini Badagi of the Gwagwalada Command has emerged winner of the 2026 Director’s Table Tennis Championship organised by the Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), ending the unbeaten run of two-time champion Andrew Akene of the Finance and Accounts Department.
The third edition of the annual championship, organised by the Sports and Recreation Unit of the Directorate, was designed to promote physical fitness among staff, foster sportsmanship and encourage inter-agency participation in sporting activities.
The competition commenced on July 22, 2026, with 30 participants drawn from various commands and units of the Directorate. Following the group stages, participants progressed through the rounds until the finalists emerged for the grand finale.
The championship finale witnessed exciting displays of skill, as spectators cheered the players through a series of competitive encounters. The third-place match featured Officer Kubau of PR&E against Mr. Walter of the Maintenance Unit, with Kubau emerging victorious after five intense rounds to claim the bronze medal.
Speaking at the event, the Director of DRTS, Dr. Abubakar Yeldu, urged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and accept the outcome of the competition. He encouraged officers to take part in sporting activities regularly, stressing that physical fitness was essential for effective and productive performance of their daily duties.
The final provided the major upset of the championship as Badagi defeated defending champion Andrew Akene after seven intense sets. Akene, a two-time champion who had remained unbeaten since the tournament began in 2024, had previously defeated Badagi in the second edition of the competition.
However, Badagi returned stronger in the 2026 edition and secured victory over the defending champion to lift the coveted trophy, bringing Akene’s remarkable unbeaten streak to an end.
Senior officers and men of the Directorate, sports enthusiasts, spectators and family members were among those who witnessed the event.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management, Mr. Hilary Kwapyong, who spoke on behalf of the Director, congratulated all the participants and called for more regular recreational activities within the Directorate.
Kwapyong also disclosed that management would consider introducing a monthly 10-kilometre walk as part of efforts to improve the general fitness and wellbeing of staff.
The event ended with the presentation of certificates of participation and the championship trophy by the Director of HRM.