All is now set for the kick off of maiden 2023 Anambra State Traders Sports Competition scheduled to get underway on October18, with 82 markets that registered to take part now know their opponents. 

This follows the successful conduct of the draws on Wednesday, October 11 for the five events that would feature in the competition.

The five sporting events to be competed for by the traders include football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Draught and Ncho.

The sum of N10m has been set aside as prize money for the winners in the various events.

Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission and Humphrey Anuna, President General of Anambra State Amalgamated Market Traders Association, ASMATA, were on ground to supervise the exercise.

A total of 82 registered markets across the state were drawn in eight groups for the preliminary stage of the competition.

Humphery Anuna, President General of ASMATA said the draws marked the formal commencement of activities ahead of the official kickoff.

The ASMATA boss urged the participating markets to play by the rules and compete fairly while praying that participants would come out healthier and richer after the competition.

On his part, Onyedum said that the Soludo administration 'decided' to expand the Traders' Cup Competition which used to feature only football in order to encourage greater inclusivity.

Onyedum said over N10m  would be up for grabs with winners of the football event carting home N3 million, N2 million and N1 million respectively while winners in tennis, table tennis, draught and Ncho would go home with N500, 000, N300,000 and N200,000 each respectively for their efforts.

 The ANSDC boss commended the various markets for their enthusiasm and readiness to be part of the competition.

He said winners in the preliminaries would progress to the state finals which would climax on Nov. 26.