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.
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, Aklie reminds us of the good old days of E.A. Quaye and Ethel Jacks, and the need to recapture our 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.
In the girls’ category, Juanita Borteye won bronze.
The team is coached by Cynthia Kwabi.
‘’The Hopes Program is the 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.’’ ITTF.
By: Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah, Ghana Table Tennis Association
