PRESIDENT, Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation (RMTTF), Anas Ziati, has described the 2026 ITTF Africa Championships as a platform for strengthening the bonds of friendship and unity among African nations while celebrating the continent's sporting excellence.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the championship in Tangier, Ziati welcomed athletes, officials and delegates from across Africa, describing Morocco as their "second home" as the country hosts the continental showpiece from October 18 to 25.
The 2026 ITTF Africa Championships have brought together the continent's leading table tennis players in Tangier with competitors battling for continental honours and qualification opportunities while further strengthening sporting ties across Africa.
"This continental sporting event embodies the depth of the fraternal bonds that unite African peoples and provides an opportunity to celebrate sporting talent while promoting the values of friendship, solidarity and fair play," he said.
Addressing the athletes, he described them as the stars of the tournament and urged them to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and African brotherhood.
"We wish the players success and brilliance, and hope that the championship would leave lasting memories for all involved. Tangier 2026 will be remembered as a distinguished sporting milestone characterised by fair play and African unity," he said.
Concluding his remarks, Ziati reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to welcoming participants from across the continent and expressed confidence that the championship serves as an opportunity to reinforce the values of friendship, solidarity and fair play among African countries.
The federation president equally acknowledged the contributions of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), ITTF Africa, the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, government institutions, sponsors and other partners whose support helped bring the tournament to fruition.
He further highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the championship possible, expressing appreciation to regional and local authorities, security agencies and administrative bodies for their support.
Ziati reserved special praise for the organising committee, the National Company for the Construction and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES) for hosting the event at the Arena Hall in Tangier, as well as esteem match officials, volunteers, medical personnel, technical staff, transport and logistics teams, as well as members of the media for their role in ensuring the successful staging of the championship.
The RMTTF president also paid tribute to King Mohammed VI for his continued support of sports development in Morocco. He noted that the King's commitment to improving sporting infrastructure and encouraging young athletes has played a significant role in elevating the country's sporting profile and its ability to host major international events.
Ziati described the royal support as a source of inspiration for Moroccans and a driving force behind the nation's sporting ambitions.
"Long live Morocco and long live African sport," he declared.
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