Ssebatindira retains crown as Uganda excels at ITTF Africa Hopes Week

Uganda’s Joseph Ssebatindira successfully defended his boys' Under-12 title as the 2026 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge concluded in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday.

In the girls' division, Uganda's Patience Anyango took home the silver medal at the event, which was hosted by the Ghana Table Tennis Association at the University of Ghana’s The Dome.

Both athletes qualified for the 2026 ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge in Sheffield, scheduled for October 12 to 18. The tournament will take place at the English Institute of Sport and will feature top Under-12 table tennis players from around the world.

Ssebatindira showed why he is considered one of Africa's brightest young talents, defending his title with another strong performance after defeating Nigeria's Ayoola Umar Olawale, who also earned a spot in Sheffield. Egypt's Adam Lasheen Aly finished third, while Ghana's Ransford Antwi impressed the home crowd by taking fourth place.

Over six days, 35 athletes from 12 member associations showcased their skills in both training and competition. ITTF expert Eva Jeler, who led the training, thanked the organisers for their efforts and the coaches for their support.

“We really had good training and good conditions; Africa is full of talent. And talent means that you are also learning fast. So, we were astonished at how they were all learning and progressing,” Jeler said. “And the coaches told me they all benefited. This is for me one of the most important programs of the ITTF.”

Award Winners

Boys

1.Joseph Sebatindira (Uganda)

2. Ayoola Umar Olawale (Nigeria)

3. Adam Lasheen Aly (Egypt)

4. Ransford Antwi (Ghana)

Girls

1. Zeina Ayma Mohammed (Egypt)

2. Patience Anyango (Uganda)

3. Ritej Cherif (Tunisia)

4. Elizabeth Emilike (Nigeria)