Emeka Emewulu of Onitsha Country Club has emerged champion of the inaugural Anambra Governor’s Cup Tennis Championship after defeating Rev. Fr Peter Ibeazor of Anambra Sports Club in the final in Awka on Saturday.

Emewulu secured the title with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 victory at the Anambra Country Club tennis court, bringing the maiden edition of the competition to a successful conclusion.

The tournament, initiated by Anambra Country Club, Awka, attracted 16 clubs and was sponsored by Audi Company Limited and its partners.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who presented trophies to the winners, surprised participants by increasing the prize money announced by the sponsors.

The governor raised the champion’s prize from ₦1 million to ₦3 million, while the runner-up’s reward increased from ₦500,000 to ₦1.5 million.

He also increased the consolation prize for each of the other 14 participating clubs from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000, an additional ₦400,000 per club.

Soludo commended the organisers, players and participating clubs, saying the championship aligned with his administration’s healthy living programme.

Speaking on the sidelines of the tournament, President of Oko Sports Club, Mrs Ijeoma Okafor, the only female club president among the participating clubs, described club membership as an important avenue for recreation, social interaction and stress management.

She said the prevailing economic challenges made recreational activities increasingly important, adding that tennis offered participants an opportunity to maintain healthy lifestyles while building friendships.

“With the prevailing economic challenges in the country, it has become necessary for people to find avenues to relax, ease off stress and make new friends. That is what we gain from club membership, and by playing tennis, you promote healthy living,” she said.

The inaugural championship is expected to provide a platform for strengthening tennis participation and promoting recreational sports across Anambra State.