Sebatindira heads to UK for ITTF World Hopes Week ahead of Dakar Youth Olympics
Sebatindira has travelled with his coach, Alvin Katumba, to Sheffield, United Kingdom, for the ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge 2026, scheduled for October 12–18 at the English Institute of Sport.
Table tennis star Joseph Sebatindira training at his Nakasero Club at Nakasero Primary School. Photo: Silvino Kibuuka
Uganda's table tennis star Joseph Sebatindira is set to triumph again at the ITTF World Hopes Week.
Sebatindira has travelled with his coach, Alvin Katumba, to Sheffield, United Kingdom, for the ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge 2026, scheduled for October 12–18 at the English Institute of Sport.
The programme comes at an opportune time for Uganda's young prodigy, offering him valuable international exposure as he prepares for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 5 at the Dakar Expo Centre in Diamniadio, Senegal.
Sebatindira made history in 2023 when he became the first African player to reach the world No. 1 ranking in the under-11 category of the World Table Tennis Youth Contender rankings. He maintained his position until graduating to the under-13 category, in which he currently competes.
The programme brings together some of the world's most talented young table tennis players, providing an invaluable platform for skills development, international exposure, and learning from leading coaches.
Katumba is optimistic that Sebatindira will deliver a strong performance, drawing on his previous experience and international exposure.
"He is still a prominent winner at the ITTF-Africa Hopes tournaments and has attended many training camps abroad. He claimed bronze in the singles event at the 2025 African Youth Games in Luanda, in addition to the many gold medals he has won at ITTF Africa Hopes events," Katumba said.
Sebatindira is currently a Primary Six pupil at Kansanga Primary School in Makindye East, Kampala.