ITTF Sports Development Director, Mikael Andersson, has praised the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) for successfully hosting the ITTF Hopes Week & Challenge Africa 2026, while encouraging more African member associations to bid for future editions.
Speaking during the event in Accra, Andersson expressed his delight at returning to Africa for another edition of the International Table Tennis Federation’s flagship youth development initiative, which brings together the continent’s most promising Under-12 players.
“We’re here in Ghana to organise the ITTF Hopes Week & Challenge for the African continent. We do this across all the different continents, and we’re very happy to be here in Ghana with so many young kids and talented players from Africa,” Andersson said.
According to Andersson, the programme offers a unique blend of emerging and returning talents, allowing coaches and development experts to monitor players’ progress over several years.
“Some of these kids we identify quite early, while some are returning for what may be their final year in the Hopes age category,” he explained.
“They’re now more established, and at the same time, we’re seeing new, very young players with a great future ahead of them. It’s a talent identification programme, and I think it’s extremely beneficial for African table tennis.”
Since its launch in 2009, the ITTF Hopes Programme has become the foundation for identifying and nurturing future stars of the sport. Andersson noted that many of today’s top international players began their journey through the programme, reinforcing the ITTF’s belief in its long-term impact.
“We believe that a global talent identification programme helps table tennis grow. Some of these young players are already showing they can compete on the world stage,” Andersson highlighted.
“If we can provide them with the right pathway and support over a number of years, they can become full-fledged professionals and compete at the highest level. We’ve seen this work before, and that’s why we continue to invest in the programme.”
The ITTF official also commended the Ghana Table Tennis Association for delivering a successful event despite the logistical demands involved in staging an international development programme.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Ghana Table Tennis Association for taking on this event. We have to recognise the challenges of organising a competition like this, especially without a permanent venue,” he stressed.
“They’ve done a very good job solving the logistical issues with the tables, facilities and other operational needs. It’s not an easy event to organise, but it’s extremely beneficial for any member association that hosts it.”
With the success of the Accra edition, Andersson hopes more African countries will be inspired to host future editions of the programme.
“We need more Hopes organisers in Africa to step forward, and hopefully Ghana has shown the way. I’d like to see this programme become even more present across the continent in the years ahead.”
The programme concludes on Saturday, with the Challenge event, which will determine the standout players from this year’s camp and bring the ITTF’s flagship Under-12 talent identification programme to a close.
