The 2023 West African Table Tennis Championship has started with exciting and amazing performances by players in the sub region as the Black Loopers look determined to pull up surprises.
Countries represented are hosts Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone.
The Female team of Ghana on Monday set the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sport Emporium agog with their splendid display of Ping Pong.
Led by experienced Bernice Borquaye, Cynthia Kwabi and youthful Augustina Baidoo, the ladies did not want to fail their fans and supporters so they made sure they set up Championship on a winning note over their opponents Benin and Cote d’Ivoire.
The men put up a spirited show to prove that Ghana Table Tennis is on the rise. Massive credit must go to coaches Ebenezer Whyte and Owusu Ansah.
Felix Lartey, Skipper Joe Sam and Samuel Akayede were busy making ways and means to grab medals. On the opening day they began the game on a slow note, but ended on a fast note of 3-2 over the strong Ivoreiens, after they had nBeaten Benin in the morning.
President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu was so glad to see the wonderful display of the Loopers.
He declared “Game On” to start the Championship which was graced by the Executive Chairman of LOC of the 13th African Games Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Ghana Ambassador to China HE. Edward Boateng of Global Media Alliance fame, Lawyer Richard Akpokavie, Nana Adu Mankattah President of Sports for All Association, Charles Osei Asibey President of Ghana Armwrestling Federation and representatives from Ghana Canoeing and Rowing Association, Ghana Tennis Association and Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
The GTTA President presented scholarships worth 2,000ghc each to six young players. They are Israel Akli, Naomi Arhin, Emmanuella Yaa Kyere, Clara Arhin, Juanita Borteye and Jessica Droh.
Ghana top player, Felix Lartey who has been playing in a tournament in the USA also donated Table Tennis equipment to some clubs.
President Afadzinu commended his gesture and urged other players to follow his positive footsteps.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
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