Calabar — Rising inflation has pushed the cost of professional table tennis equipment beyond ₦250,000 per rubber, placing significant financial strain on sports development efforts in Cross River state ahead of the Niger Delta Games NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
Sports patron Orok Duke disclosed that Tenergy rubber — a widely used brand among elite players — now sells for about ₦250,000 per pair, up from roughly ₦100,000 in previous years.
“We used to buy Tenergy at about ₦100,000. As of today, it is ₦250,000,” Duke said while addressing journalists in Calabar.
According to him, the price increase forced an expenditure of approximately ₦1.7 million on seven pairs of rubber alone, contributing to a total of about ₦3.7 million spent on equipment for six athletes preparing for the regional competition.
Technical Demands, Higher Costs
Duke explained that table tennis equipment is highly regulated and technical, requiring two contrasting colours — typically red and black — on each bat to comply with international standards.
He noted that some players also require specialised anti-spin rubbers, which are often sold only in pairs, even when a single sheet is needed.
“You cannot play without two different colours on your bat. And suppliers sell them in pairs, so you must buy both,” he said.
In addition to rubbers, blades (wood), balls and adhesives have also recorded price increases, compounding the financial burden on clubs and administrators.
Short Equipment Lifespan
The sports administrator added that table tennis materials have a limited lifespan, particularly when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“An equipment that costs about ₦300,000 can be gone in two weeks if exposed to the sun. It is an indoor sport,” he said.
He stressed the importance of proper storage to protect the investment, noting that improper handling by inexperienced players can quickly damage expensive materials.
Pressure on Sports Funding
The rising cost of equipment, Duke said, reflects broader economic pressures affecting grassroots sports development, where administrators often rely on private contributions to meet urgent needs.
With the ongoing Niger Delta Games , he maintained that providing standard equipment remains essential for competitive performance.
“You cannot expect athletes to perform at their best without the right tools,” he said.
The Niger Delta Games is featuring athletes from oil-producing states across the region, with Cross River aiming to remain competitive in table tennis despite mounting financial challenges.
