by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Chaired by Khaled El-Salhy, President of the African Table Tennis Federation with Steve Dainton, ITTF Chief Executive Officer, in attendance, a total of 18 countries were present.

Issues relating to the growth and promotion of the sport were discussed but the main highlight of the day was the selection of host nations for major continental championships in 2020.

Cameroon will stage the African Senior Championships, Madagascar will be the destination for the 2020 African Cadet and Junior Championships: Tunisia will welcome the Africa Top 16 Cup and Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.

Decisions made but the voting was close, Cameroon gained the verdict against Tunisia by just one vote; meanwhile for Tunisia the outcome was secured by three votes, Algeria being the other bidding party.

The exercise was applauded by delegates and by Steve Dainton. He stressed the procedures were in line with good governance, whilst charging the Federation to continue to raise the bar for the sport.

Likewise, it was a positive response from Dr. Alaa Meshref, ITTF Executive Vice President.

“I am so excited with the progress made in Africa in terms of good governance. The Annual General Meeting showed that good governance has taken foot in the continent. I am happy and hope that this will continue to help in entrenching good governance and democracy in the administration of table tennis in Africa.” Dr. Alaa Meshref