Uganda’s Joseph Sebatindira successfully defended his Under-12 boys’ title as the 2026 ITTF-Africa Hopes Week and Challenge concluded in Accra, with Africa’s brightest young table tennis talents showcasing their potential during six days of elite training and competition.
Held from July 13 to July 18, 2026, the event took place at The Dome, University of Ghana, bringing together 33 players, 17 boys and 16 girls from 12 African countries. The tournament formed part of the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) talent development programme aimed at identifying and nurturing the continent’s next generation of stars.
Boys’ Competition
Sebatindira topped the boys’ standings ahead of Nigeria’s Ayoola Umar Olawale, who finished second. Egypt’s Adam Lasheen Aly claimed third place, while Ghana’s Ransford Antwi rounded out the top four on home soil.
Girls’ Competition
In the girls’ competition, Zeina Ayma Mohammed of Egypt emerged as champion after an outstanding campaign. Uganda’s Patience Anyango continued her impressive rise by finishing second, while Tunisia’s Ritej Cherif also earned a podium finish in third. Nigeria’s Elizabeth Emilike placed fourth.
Award Winners
Boys
Joseph Sebatindira (Uganda)
Ayoola Umar Olawale (Nigeria)
Adam Lasheen Aly (Egypt)
Ransford Antwi (Ghana)
Girls
Zeina Ayma Mohammed (Egypt)
Patience Anyango (Uganda)
Ritej Cherif (Tunisia)
Elizabeth Emilike (Nigeria)
The top two boys and top two girls have qualified to represent Africa at the 2026 ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge, which will be held in Sheffield, United Kingdom, in October.
The event received praise from the International Table Tennis Federation for its excellent organisation by the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA).
The successful staging of the 2026 ITTF-Africa Hopes Week and Challenge further strengthens Ghana’s growing reputation as a destination for major table tennis events, while providing a valuable platform for Africa’s future stars to develop and compete at the highest youth level.
Source: Richard Achore