The Burma Camp Tennis Club (BCTC) celebrated Ghana's 67th Independence Day anniversary with a vibrant international tennis tournament, marking the event's tenth edition. Over the weekend, the BCTC engaged in friendly competition with the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) tennis section of Nigeria at the Command Mess Tennis Court in Accra.
The two-day tournament brought together retired and serving senior military officers and civilian colleagues from both countries, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship on the tennis court.
The BCTC and IBB Tennis Section of Nigeria has established a tradition of organizing an annual tennis tournament in honour of their respective countries' Independence Day celebrations.
In an interview with GNA Sports, Air Commodore Joshua Mensah-Larkai, President of BCTC, highlighted the tournament's significance in strengthening the relationship between Ghana and Nigeria. He emphasized that the competition, now in its tenth year, aims to promote the values of patriotism, social cohesion, and the spirit of accommodation while underscoring the shared heritage and identity of Africans.
Air Commodore Mensah-Larkai expressed gratitude to the participants and sponsors for their contributions to the success of this year's tournament. He also extended well wishes to Team Ghana, particularly the Ghana Tennis team, in their endeavours at the 13th African Games.
Among the sponsors, Cyril Gadegbeku, Chief Executive Officer of 360 Surveys and Engineering, expressed pleasure in supporting the competition, underscoring his commitment to developing tennis in the country as both a tennis parent and enthusiast.
Participants from Ghana included distinguished individuals such as Dr Ral, Air Commodore AA Appiah, Col Michel Borbi, and others, while the Nigerian team comprised notable figures such as Amb. Humphrey Orjiako, Sen. Emma Anosike, and Dr. Francis Adigwe, among others.
The tournament showcased the spirit of friendship and collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria, uniting participants in a celebration of sport and camaraderie. As both nations continue to strengthen their diplomatic relations, events like these serve as a testament to the enduring bond and mutual respect shared between them.