African Youngsters Set for ITTF Challenge in Sheffield

Six young table tennis talents from Africa, including Nigeria's Umar Ayoola and Elizabeth Emelike, Egypt's Zeina Farouk and Adam Lashin, Tunisia's Ritej Charif, and Uganda's Joseph Sebatindira, will participate in the 2026 ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge in Sheffield, United Kingdom, from October 12 to 18. These players were selected from 36 Under-12 athletes representing 26 Member Associations based on their impressive performances at the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge held earlier in Accra, Ghana.

The event, organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Table Tennis England, aims to develop promising young players through intensive training and competition. Participants will undergo technical sessions led by elite international coaches, and their performances will be assessed not only on results but also on their technical skills, training attitude, and long-term potential.

The event will feature young players from various countries, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and international experience.