World Hopes qualifiers decided in Africa and America – International Table Tennis Federation

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, hosted the 2022 ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge; the expert on duty was Pacinthe Osman (EGY), assisted by the local coach Mohamed Ghazi BenKahia (TUN).

The group consisted of 20 of the most promising players born in 2010 or later from 4 member associations: Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and South Africa.

The training camp was so successful and beneficial for the players. It is a good step in the development of their performance and it was a good opportunity to discover the best Hopes players in Africa. The cooperation of the coaches helped to share their knowledge, they were so active and cooperative, and the spirit between the players and the coaches was great. Head Coach Pacinthe Osman (EGY)

Within this pleasant and motivating atmosphere with a rich and cohesive program, the players found the perfect environment for competitive matches. In a hotly contested Challenge tournament for the boys, local talent Amir Essid (TUN) won. In the girls competition, Farida Thabet (EGY) beat Mariem Brahimi (TUN) in the final. It was striking that the technical level of young African athletes is increasing.

I am so satisfied with my performance in training and challenge. I won first place and this made me so happy. I wish I could also win first place in the World Hopes Week & Challenge. Amir Essid (TUN)

The week has been so long and tiring, but it was an honor to represent Tunisia in this activity, and I look forward to the World Hopes Week & Challenge. Mariem Brahmimi (TUN)

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean, hosted the 2022 ITTF Americas Hopes Week & Challenge, which ran from September 11-16. The expert on duty for the second year in a row was Zoltan Batorfi (HUN), assisted by local coach Noema Mena (DOM).

The 29 participants (14 girls and 15 boys) from 11 member associations (Dominican Republic, Ecuador, St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, USA, Curaçao, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela) spent productive and enjoyable days in Santo Domingo.

The schedule consisted of 8 technical sessions of 2.5-3 hours each, while the Challenge was played on the last day and a half.

During the practice sessions, the participants learned how to improve their technical level, footwork, service and physical condition. When it comes to the challenge, players were split into 2 groups with the top four players from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. After many exciting matches with all players fighting for a higher rank, Tahiya Piyadasa (USA) triumphed in the girls’ competition, while Emmanuel Otalvaro (COL) won in the boys’ league.

My impression was that the children enjoyed practicing and I think the level of the players has increased compared to last year. In addition, we held several coaches meetings where we discussed our experiences and talked about different types of exercises, what can be used at this age, different types of work of countries or how the children are taught to play at this level. Head Coach Zoltan Batorfi (HUN)

As an extra activity, the Table Tennis Federation of the Dominican Republic organized a sightseeing tour on Wednesday afternoon that was great fun for all participants.

We spent a beautiful week in Santo Domingo. The week was very well organized by the Federation, and all conditions were set for hard work and learning from each other. added Zoltan Batorfi.

It was an amazing experience to play my second time, at the US training camp and Hopes challenge. It was such an honor to be part of 29 children (girls and boys) and thank you so much for such an excellent training camp for coach Zoltan Batorfi from Hungary. We have worked hard every day. The last 2 days was the Challenge. Luckily I won all my matches 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, except for one match I won 3-1. In the Americas Hopes I learned many new strategies and new ways of thinking. That’s why I can’t wait to use my new knowledge at the World Hopes in France. Tashiya Piyadasa (US)

The two remaining continental activities, the ITTF Asia Hopes Week & Challenge and ITTF Oceania Hopes Week & Challenge, will take place at the end of October to complete the next qualifiers for the ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge that will take place in the city of Hennebont in January 2023.

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