Councilor Wang Xinmin, addressing players and spectators

The second Bintunani Cup Sierra Leone International Table Tennis Tournament ended on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital with certificates and other prizes awarded to this year's champions in three categories.

Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association and Chinese Chamber of Commerce, saw the participation of more Sierra Leoneans in the successful event.

Ibrahim Jalloh and Mabinty Kanu won in the 10 - 13 years male and female category, defeating their opponent 3-1 and 3-0 respectively. In the 14 - 16 years male and female category, Mohamed Kamara and Binty Kargbo won by 3-2 and 3-0 respectively. Bedford Sawyer and Zainab Sesay were crowned champions in the adult male and female category, winning 3-1 and 3-2 respectively.

Guo Xin, Head of Political Affairs, presenting a certificate to the male adult category champion Bedford Sawyer

Table Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the People's Republic of China and the fans are composed of people of all ages and from all works of life. Ping-Pong, as it is called in China, people establish friendship through the small magic ball.

"In Sierra Leone, these years I have seen a growing number of people engaging in Ping-Pong and Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association has been making great efforts in training young players and promote this sport, " says Councilor Wang Xinmin, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and hoped that mutual love for Ping-Pong will bring Chinese and Sierra Leoneans closer. The tournament, he said is not only a competition but all about enjoying the game.

Every year, the Chinese Embassy donates sports facilities to various schools, associations and clubs around Sierra Leone, and at the same time offers training courses like Beach Volleyball to Sierra Leonean players.

Female Chinese players also received certificates

Emmanuel Lebbie, Secretary General of Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association, said with the support from the Chinese table tennis is been taken to another level in the West African nation. He called on other Embassies to emulate the good examples of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, which has contributed immensely to promoting sports in his country.

President of the National Olympic Committee, Dr. Patrick Coker thanked the Chinese for their laudable contribution to sports development in Sierra Leone. He highly acclaimed the World Olympic Games hosted in China, which he described as magnificent.

The Champions in all categories, displaying their certificates

Hastine Spaine, who spoke on behalf of the government of Sierra Leone said they are grateful to the Chinese for developing table tennis and requested for further support to help train more players in the game.