The 2026 ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge concluded successfully at The Dome of the University of Ghana, Legon, with Uganda’s Joseph Sebatindira and Egypt’s Zeina Ayma Mohammed emerging as champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.

The six-day programme, organised by ITTF Africa, brought together promising young table tennis players from 22 African countries for an intensive training camp and championship aimed at identifying and nurturing the continent’s next generation of stars.

Ghana also had reason to celebrate, with Ransford Antwi delivering an impressive performance to finish fourth and secure a place on the podium.

The ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge forms part of the International Table Tennis Federation’s development programme designed to encourage greater participation in the sport while providing young athletes with elite coaching and competitive exposure.

ITTF officials Eva Jeler and Mikael Andersson, who supervised the event in Accra, praised both the organisation and the standard of competition throughout the week. They expressed confidence in the continent’s potential, describing Africa as a region blessed with immense table tennis talent and a bright future for the sport.

President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, Mawuko Afadzinu, commended the performances of the participating athletes while stressing that continuous dedication, discipline and hard work are essential for players aspiring to compete at the highest level.

He also expressed gratitude to ITTF Africa for selecting Ghana to host the tournament, noting that the event had provided an opportunity for more Ghanaian players to gain valuable international experience.

The competition ended with the presentation of medals, certificates and trophies to the outstanding performers.

Attention will now shift to the African Junior Championships, which are scheduled to begin this week at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra.