With the conclusion of the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships and Cup in Accra, Ghana, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The tournament delivered countless memorable moments, leaving ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi convinced that the continent is brimming with talents capable of conquering the global stage.
Reflecting on his two years at the helm of African table tennis, Oshodi described the journey as both exhilarating and challenging. “We have been working tirelessly to improve the sport across the continent, particularly in the technical development of our young players,” he noted. He admitted that change is never easy, but with the support from the ITTF Development and Competition teams, progress has been swift and tangible.
Under his leadership, African table tennis has witnessed significant strides. Development goals have taken center stage, with expanded training and coaching camps for players, coaches, and technical officials. Initiatives such as the Youth Umpire project and Competition Manager pathways have equipped the continent with the expertise needed to manage events at both regional and continental levels. “We are continually increasing the knowledge base of our technical officials to ensure they meet international standards,” Oshodi explained. New competitions, including the Youth Cup, have also been created to give young players more opportunities to showcase and refine their skills.
The recently concluded Youth Championships highlighted the depth of emerging talent. Oshodi was full of praise for the performances, describing them as “breathtaking.” Many of the young athletes, he believes, are ready to transition to the senior stage. “We will take the advice of top coaches and provide the necessary support to help them make the leap,” he said, adding that several of these players are expected to feature in the African Senior Championships later this year.
The African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) is determined to nurture this talent effectively. Oshodi emphasized empowering Member Associations by developing coaches and technical officials who can take new knowledge back to their home countries. “We are already seeing the results of our work, and we will continue to provide opportunities for training and development,” he affirmed.
Regarding the sensitive issue of age discrepancies in youth competitions, Oshodi urged Member Associations to uphold integrity. “We have young talent spread across the continent, and there is no need to engage in age cheating,” he stressed. Thankfully, Africa has not faced significant challenges in this regard, and Oshodi remains confident that fair play will continue to prevail.
With Africa’s teams now confirmed for the World Youth Championships, the federation is focused on ensuring they receive adequate support. “Working with the ITTF, we will provide assistance with travel and training costs. There is no point qualifying if financial inadequacies prevent participation,” Oshodi remarked.
Youth development has always been his priority, and Oshodi is convinced that the federation remains firmly on the right path. “The recently concluded Championships and the feedback we have received assure us that we are on track. The quality and progress of our young players over the last few years testify to the work being done across Africa,” he concluded with optimism.
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