African Table Tennis Players Head to Kigali in Pursuit of Paris Tickets

Africa’s table tennis talent is taking center stage in Rwanda as the country hosts the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) tournament alongside the African Olympic Qualification Tournament. The BK Arena in Kigali is buzzing with excitement from May 15 to 18 as tennis talents compete for a chance to secure their spots at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Dina Meshref showcased their dominance in the ITTF Africa Cup, clinching the titles in impressive fashion. Aruna, fresh off his success at the World Tennis Tournament’s Saudi Smash, secured a commanding victory in the final against Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali with a resounding 4-0 win. Meshref rallied from a 2-0 deficit to triumph over compatriot Mariam Alhodaby, clinching the Africa Cup title after two consecutive final losses.

The African Olympic Qualification Tournament features athletes from 15 nations across the continent, including notable contenders like Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo and Offiong Edem. Omotayo, the 2019 African Games champion, eyes his second Olympic appearance, while Edem, a bronze medallist at the 2023 African Games, seeks her fifth Olympic Games participation.

Rwanda’s successful hosting of these tournaments highlights its growing legacy as a sports event hosting hub, contributing significantly towards the country’s economy through sports tourism. The President of the Rwanda Table Tennis Federation, John Birungi, emphasized the importance of hosting such events in boosting the economy and developing sports in the country.

With Rwanda’s track record of hosting major sports events, from basketball to cricket and taekwondo, the country continues to showcase its capabilities in hosting diverse sports events and attracting sports tourism. The tournaments in Rwanda not only showcase the continent’s table tennis talent but also highlight the country’s ability to host world-class sporting events.