Next Gen Champs: TTTA’s table tennis camp starts in June

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a major boost for grassroots sports development, the Tanzania Table Tennis Association (TTTA), in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), is set to launch a two-week intensive youth training camp in Dar es Salaam, beginning June 15, 2025.

argeting talented players under the ages of 13 and 17, the camp will draw participants from schools across Tanzania, aiming to sharpen their skills, provide essential training support and equip them with the tools needed to thrive in competitive table tennis.

Chairman of TTTA’s Technical Committee, Yahya Mungilwa emphasised the initiative’s national importance.

“This camp is a key platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from every region of Tanzania. It’s particularly vital for our U17 athletes as they prepare to represent the country at the upcoming African Schools Championship in Algeria this August,” he said.

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The training camp is part of TTTA’s broader long-term development strategy, designed to build a strong pipeline of players for international competition.

“Top-performing athletes will be presented to the Tanzania Olympic Committee and relevant government bodies for recognition and support,” Mungilwa added.

Participants were selected based on their outstanding performances at the recently concluded Young Shine Open 2025, where a number of rising stars made their mark on the national stage.

Looking ahead, TTTA also plans to host a memorial tournament this July in honour of Mtalaso, a pioneering figure in Tanzanian table tennis.

“This event will bring together athletes from across Africa and beyond to celebrate Mtalaso’s legacy. It will also offer our players a valuable opportunity to test themselves against international talent,” Mungilwa noted.