18 Jul 2024

 Sport is an integral part of life as it empowers one with leadership skills and paves way for a better future.

This was said by Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Marumo Morule officially opening the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Youth Championships in Gaborone on Wednesday.

Morule described the event as memorable because it was hosted in Botswana for the first time and attracting the highest number of participating countries and players.

The championship features U-19 players, and has attracted 191 players from 18 countries.

Morule said such a sporting event was meant to prepare for the future and a record turnover was a sign that table tennis was doing well to encourage the youth to participate in sport.

“We are not only here to celebrate table tennis, but the potential that these young people have as well as show that sport has  potential to bring together people of different nationalities. 

Building leaders of tomorrow can start through sport,” he said.

Morule said while playing table tennis, a young person was taught how to take and give instructions. “This is how we develop true leadership,” he said.

Morule applauded the contribution of volunteers, saying their effort was vital for the success of such an event.

He urged players to play with passion and pride, taking satisfaction in what they could achieve as individuals as well as for their respective countries and the continent. “Enjoy the games and leave no regrets behind,” he said.

ITTF vice president, Wahid Oshodi said the reception from the airport and on arrival at the venue had proved that the championship would be successful and memorable.

 Oshodi said it was a wonderful event primarily meant to grow young table tennis players.

“The standard of the game in Africa is developing and Botswana is equally doing well to develop the sport,” he said.

Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) president, Engr Khaled El-Salhy was impressed by the fact that the event was being held in southern Africa for the first time. 

“It is a big event and it has registered a number of athletes, a record that has not been achieved in the last 20 years,” he said.

El-Salhy said it was clear that every African country was determined to come to Botswana. 

He said the winners of the championship would represent Africa at the World Youth Championships towards the end of the year.

“I appreciate the support of all sponsors. We are here to make heroes and heroines that will represent us on the international arena,” he said.

Meanwhile, the event’s main sponsor representative, Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) chief financial officer, Dipuo Makepe said the company was happy to play a major role in an event that was meant to empower and grow the youth through sport.

Makepe said the brilliance of their diamonds mirrored the potential of the youth. She said ODC was committed to foster growth and development of the youth.

“It is important to celebrate unity and opportunities brought by table tennis to young athletes. 

“Our support goes beyond financial contribution as we are more interested in youth development,” she said. 

She added that through sport, the youth would acquire skills such teamwork, resilience and strategic thinking.

“It’s a celebration of talent, dedication and sportsmanship. I commend tireless efforts of the BTTA in making the event a success,” she said. Ends