Author: Elizabeth A. Gyamfi
Afadzinu: “Ghana targeting Nigeria hurdle and Olympic qualification”
ACCRA– The African Youth Table Tennis Championships currently underway in Accra has recorded the highest number of participating countries in the history of the competition, according to the President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu.
Speaking at the venue, Mr. Afadzinu described the turnout as “without precedence” and said it has brought excitement to the championship, but also increased the complexity of hosting.
“This is the highest number of countries we’ve had in any youth competition in the African Table Tennis Federation’s history,” he said.
Ghana’s Performance and Targets
Ghana’s youth team made it to the quarter-finals before bowing out to Nigeria.
According to the President, overcoming Nigeria remains the key barrier for Ghana to break into the top tier of African table tennis.
“Our ambition is to beat Nigeria and to get it to category one and we are going to continue to try towards that objective,” Mr. Afadzinu stated.
He added that the tournament is also part of Ghana’s broader plan to prepare players for Olympic Games qualification.
“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 said.
Praise for Talent and Venue
Mr. Afadzinu commended the players for their performance, noting that while there are areas that need fine-tuning and coaching, the raw talent and potential are evident.
He also praised the organization and facilities, saying delegates have described the venue as one of the best they have seen in Africa.
“They praise this venue. It’s one of the better venues they’ve seen across Africa. The environment has been very good,” he said.
“_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.
Tournament Schedule
The championship began with the U12 category last week. The U15 and U19 events are taking place this week and will conclude next Wednesday.
Calling it a “festival of table tennis delights,” Mr. Afadzinu invited fans to come and support the players.
“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 said.
The exciting international Ping Pong event which continues at the Borteman Sports Complex, Accra with :U15 & U19 this week, ends next Wednesday.
