Ghana’s table tennis sensation, Israel Aklie was the toast of spectators in Botswana as he swept aside all nine (9) opponents on his way to winning gold at the ITTF-Africa Continental Hopes Championship 9-14 July in Gaborone.
With an impressive score line of 3-0, 3-2, 3-1, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, over his opponents from Uganda, Tunisia, Rwanda, Botswana and South Africa respectively, Aklie reminded Ghanaians of the good old days of E.A. Quaye and Ethel Jacks, and the need to recapture those glory days.
By virtue of this victory, Israel Aklie has qualified to represent Africa at the ITTF World Hopes program to be held in Asuncion, Paraguay from the 1-7 November 2024.
Coach Cynthia Kwabi (middle) poses with Israel Aklie and Juanita Borteye pose for the cameras in Botswana
In the girls’ category, Juanita Borteye won bronze.
The team is coached by former national star, Cynthia Kwabi.
The Hopes Program is the (International Table Tennis Federation) ITTF’s talent identification program, which unites players and coaches from across the globe. It is a core pillar of ITTF’s Sports Development pathways, targeting global reach and overall growth of table tennis.
Credit: Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah, Ghana Table Tennis Association
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