by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer
Meetings with the local contractor proved most positive, the completion of the floor in the venue being scheduled for conclusion by mid-March; accommodation will be at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Science as well as at the Sun Lodge Hotel.
“I am fully confident that Ghana is ready and they will work hard for these special events; the major item is to finalise the completion of the venue within the time frame and to make it available by the middle of March 2019. We must take into consideration that Ghana used to be one of the superpowers of table tennis in Africa and I know they still have it in their blood. I am also sure that the hosting of the competition will be a turning point to get them back on track. I am convinced beyond any doubt that Ghana can make Africa proud with the staging of the championships in April.” Khaled El-Salhy
Equally, Khaled El-Salhy is confident that all visiting players, coaches and officials will be delighted with welcome afforded by the Ghana Table Tennis Association.
“I am sure it will be satisfying to all associations coming from Asia and Europe that Africa can host ITTF sanctioned events successfully and Africa will be proud of the organization. Overall 12 African countries are expected to compete in the African Youth, Junior and Cadet Championships. After checking the venue and all proposed accommodation facilities, I hope and believe everything will be ready on time.” Khaled El-Salhy
A positive response from Khaled El-Salhy, it was the same from Wahid Enitan Oshodi.
“I must commend the Ghana Table Tennis Association, especially their President Mawuko Afadzinu, for the work they have put into preparing for both junior tournaments they are hosting in April. Hosting major tournaments of this nature is very tasking and I am quite impressed by the plans on ground. After meeting with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in Ghana, I am fully convinced of the country’s commitment to hosting the event. When you also have the support of the country’s Vice President then you must be assured that we are going to have a wonderful event. Ghanaians are excellent hosts and have a wealth of experience in hosting big events and have a great tourism culture. The ATTF and the ITTF are also very committed to ensuring that the game continues to grow along all regions of the world.” Wahid Enitan Oshodi
Progress and the main item at the present time is to make sure that any building work is complete.
“Ghana is on course but it is very important that the new ultra-modern sports hall where the event will take place is ready. The minister and their contractors have assured us that it will be ready. We urge all concerned to ensure that the hall be ready by then. We have seen the work and we are quietly confident that Ghana will be ready.” Wahid Enitan Oshodi
Most certainly, the Ghana Table Tennis Association is making every effort to stage two showpiece tournaments; now the continent must respond.
“All African countries need to go the extra mile to secure their attendance in Ghana. This is one of the major ways in which our young players will improve and match their Asian and European counterparts. When you play against the best you will learn new tricks and improve. We need African countries to develop together and it is with tournaments like this that we will discover the next batch of superstars of our sports. The Segun Toriolas and El-Sayed Lashins of this world are coming close to the end of their great careers and we need to develop the next stars. This event is the making of our future stars. We urge all our member nations to go to Ghana to assist in the development of our young players.” Wahid Enitan Oshodi
