Ime Emerges Winner in Dangote Sponsored Dala Hard Court Tournament

The 32nd Dala Hard Court Tennis Tournament has ended in Kano, with Joseph Ime, emerging winner of the Championship sponsored by Aliko Dangote.
Africa’s richest man has sustained the Game over the years, and encouraged players to display true love for sportsmanship in the competitions.
A first time Winner, Ime said he started playing Tennis at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club at age 6.
He expressed gratitude to President, Dangote Group, Aliko, for enhancing his dream of becoming a professional and appealed to Africa’s richest man, to sponsor more national Tournaments to enable Nigeria Tennis players gain exposure and compete favourably with International players.
Governor Umar Ganduje at the event, commended Aliko Dangote for promoting Tennis and enhancing its continuity.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Ganduje said ” Next year we must have a Cup for the “Best Partners” to be competed for by the Dala Hard Court players”.
Representative of Aliko Dangote, and Regional Sales Coordinator (North), Cement, Chux Mogbolu, congratulated the Winner of the Tournament.
“There is no doubt that Ime is a blessing to Kano State, and his success would inspire others to aim for greater heights”.
He assured the players that President of the Conglomerate, being a Sports lover himself, will leave no stone unturned in taking the Game to the next level.
Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, represented by Aminu Ado Bayero, said the sponsors, Dangote, First Bank, Fidelity Bank have made the State proud by their contibutions to Dala Hard Court.
Chairman of Dala Hard Court, Alhaji Bashari Gumel, said the Championship has come to stay, as the only National Tennis Championship in the whole of the northern region.

The current champion, Joseph Ime, won a cash prize of N1m, and a Trophy.
While the 2018 Lady Singles runner-up, Adegoke Sarah and the 2018 Back to Back champion, Samuel Blessing also won trophies and cash prizes, for outstanding performance.