Ghanaian table tennis sensation Israel Aklie thrilled spectators in Botswana by defeating all nine of his opponents to win gold at the ITTF-Africa Continental Hopes Championship. Aklie’s impressive victories included scores of 3-0, 3-2, 3-1, and multiple 3-0 wins against competitors from Uganda, Tunisia, Rwanda, Botswana, and South Africa. His performance brings to mind the glory days of E.A. Quaye and Ethel Jacks, highlighting the potential for Ghana to recapture its former table tennis prowess.

With this victory, Israel Aklie has earned the opportunity to represent Africa at the ITTF World Hopes program, scheduled to take place in Asuncion, Paraguay, from November 1-7, 2024.

In the girls’ category, Ghana’s Juanita Borteye secured a bronze medal.

According to the ITTF, “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.”