Ghana set for major table tennis events as ITTF Hopes Week begins

President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Mawuko Afadzinu, has expressed confidence in Ghana's readiness to host the 2026 ITTF Hopes Week and Challenge, as well as the ITTF-Africa Youth Challenge.

He described the events as a major milestone for the development of table tennis in Ghana and across the continent.

Speaking at a press conference, Afadzinu said hosting the prestigious youth competitions presents a unique opportunity for Ghana to nurture young talent while positioning the country as a key destination for international table tennis.

"This is an important platform for talent development and talent progression in Africa. It is a huge opportunity for Ghana to be hosting it," he said.

According to him, beyond providing a platform to identify Africa's next generation of champions, the event will expose Ghanaian players to world-class coaching, including guidance from renowned ITTF Hopes coach Eva Jeler.

"We get the opportunity to discover those who will be mounting podiums and winning laurels for their countries. At the same time, our athletes will benefit from the tutelage of Madam Coach Eva, one of the best in the world. It's a very big opportunity for us," he noted.

Afadzinu also revealed that Ghana has been granted an expanded quota as host nation, allowing six boys and six girls to participate in the Hopes Week instead of the usual one boy and one girl allocated to each country.

He described the increased participation as a significant boost to the development of the sport in Ghana, saying it would give more young athletes the opportunity to progress through the ranks.

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"We see that as a very important pillar for the progression of the game in this country. More critically, it gives many of our young players a reason to believe there is a pathway to success," he said.

The GTTA president outlined a packed schedule for the week-long festival of table tennis. The ITTF Hopes Week and Challenge will take place at The Dome, University of Ghana, Legon, and conclude on Saturday, with members of the media invited to witness the challenge events on Friday and Saturday.

Attention will then shift to the ITTF-Africa Youth Challenge Accra 2026, which begins on Monday at the Borteyman Sports Complex.

Afadzinu disclosed that the tournament has attracted a record 22 African countries and approximately 300 young athletes, making it one of the biggest youth table tennis events ever staged on the continent.

The competition will culminate with the African Cup over the final two days, bringing together some of Africa's brightest young table tennis prospects.

"It's going to be a festival, a real buffet of table tennis. Get ready because we are just about to serve you the very best," he concluded.

PAH/MA

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