Veteran table tennis star Hassan Aliyu has called on aspiring players to remain committed and disciplined in their pursuit of success, stressing that hard work remains the foundation for excellence in the sport.
Aliyu, who recently clinched gold in the veterans’ category at the 2026 Oil and Gas Industries Games, said dedication, self-motivation and consistent training are essential qualities for any athlete aiming to excel in table tennis.
He delivered the message during the finals of the veterans’ table tennis events held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
According to him, young players must cultivate a strong work ethic and make rigorous training part of their daily routine if they hope to reach the highest levels of the game.
Beyond his achievements as a player, Aliyu serves as Assistant Coach of the Kaduna State Table Tennis Federation and is the founder of a table tennis club. Through these roles, he has mentored several young athletes who have gone on to compete internationally.
He reaffirmed his commitment to using sports as a platform to positively impact Nigerian youths.
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Speaking on his future, Aliyu revealed that the tournament marked his final appearance as a competitive player. He, however, expressed his intention to remain actively involved in the sport even after retiring from the NNPC table tennis team.
The event also signified his retirement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), where he serves as Manager of Petroleum Engineering at NEPL.
The defending champion capped off his farewell tournament in style, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition and securing gold on the third day of the championship.
Over the years, Aliyu’s contributions have earned multiple trophies for the NNPC team, solidifying his legacy in Nigerian table tennis.
