The Chairman of Cross River State Table Tennis Association, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has raised a formal alarm over the increasing exodus of talented athletes from the state.
Speaking on the current state of the sport, Duke attributed the trend to a lack of structured support systems and poor welfare packages, which have forced promising players to either seek better opportunities elsewhere or abandon their careers entirely.
According to the Association Chairman, Cross River has historically been a hub for top-tier athletic talent. However, the inability of the state to provide sustainable financial backing has created a vacuum.
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“Several promising players have either switched allegiance to other states or abandoned the sport entirely because of inadequate welfare and support systems,” Duke stated. He expressed concern that athletes are frequently lured away by rival states with the promise of better conditions, only to be neglected once they have served their immediate purpose.
“It is a disturbing trend that is affecting the growth of sports in the state,” he added, noting that this cycle of “poaching and abandonment” undermines long-term development.
Duke further highlighted a significant disconnect between existing state policies and their implementation. He lamented that many athletes who represent both the state and the nation at high-level competitions are often overlooked for rewards or promotions that they are entitled to by policy.
This lack of recognition, he argued, has led to a sharp decline in morale among the youth. He warned that if these issues remain unaddressed, the future of table tennis and other sports in Cross River remains in jeopardy.
In a concluding appeal, the Chairman urged the Cross River State Government to prioritize the welfare of its sportsmen and women.
The veteran sports administrator emphasized the need for a robust incentive structure that would encourage local talents to remain within the state and develop their skills. He maintained that creating a conducive environment for athletes is the only way to safeguard the state’s sporting heritage and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation of champions.
