Ghana hosts record-breaking African Youth Table Tennis Championships in Accra

The ongoing African Youth Table Tennis Championships in Accra has recorded the highest number of participating countries in the competition's history, according to Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) President Mawuko Afadzinu.

Mr Afadzinu described the massive turnout as unprecedented, saying the record participation has added excitement and prestige to the tournament while also presenting greater organisational demands for the host nation.

“This is the highest number of countries we've had in any youth competition in the African Table Tennis Federation's history,” Afadzinu said while speaking at the competition venue.

The championship has brought together young talents from across the continent, with Ghana serving as the centre of African youth table tennis development.

• Ghana Targets Breakthrough Against Nigeria

Ghana’s youth team reached the quarter-finals of the competition before suffering defeat to continental rivals Nigeria.

Afadzinu identified Nigeria as the major hurdle Ghana must overcome to establish itself among Africa’s elite table tennis nations.

“Our ambition is to beat Nigeria and to get it to category one, and we are going to continue to try towards that objective,” he stated.

The GTTA President explained that the tournament forms part of Ghana’s long-term strategy to develop players capable of competing at the highest international level, including securing qualification for the Olympic Games.

“We are looking at being able to qualify for the Olympic Games at least, and so those are the two major milestones that this tournament prepares us towards,” he added.

• Afadzinu Applauds Players and Facilities

Despite Ghana’s quarter-final exit, Afadzinu praised the performances of the young players, noting that the competition has highlighted the country’s wealth of emerging talent.

He admitted that there are areas requiring improvement through enhanced coaching and development structures but believes the foundation is strong.

“The talent is there. There are some things we need to fine-tune and coach better, but the talent is there,” he said.

The GTTA President also expressed satisfaction with the quality of facilities at the Borteman Sports Complex, revealing that visiting delegates have praised the venue as one of the best table tennis facilities on the continent.

“They praise this venue. It’s one of the better venues they've seen across Africa. The environment has been very good,” he noted.

“They also speak to what we have as a country — both the infrastructure and the talent — and that combination should serve us well,” he added.

• Championship Continues in Accra

The African Youth Table Tennis Championships started with the U12 category last week, while the U15 and U19 competitions are currently underway and will conclude next Wednesday.

Describing the event as a “festival of table tennis delights,” Afadzinu urged fans and sports lovers to come to the Borteman Sports Complex to experience the action.

“If you are anywhere and you love the game, it’s happening here. You have to be here. The venue is the complex. Come and enjoy the table tennis delights,” he encouraged.

The championship continues to attract some of Africa’s finest young table tennis players as Ghana seeks to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international sporting events.