by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is set to organize a two-day national coaching seminar focused on leadership and management skills. Scheduled for December 17-18, the event will take place at the Additional Sports and Entertainment Pro Limited in Mowe, Ogun State.
The seminar, which targets Nigerian table tennis coaches with a special emphasis on female participation, aligns with the International Table Tennis Federation’s Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative. It is a key component of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.0”, proudly supported by the NTTF.
This event marks the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” program, with table tennis star Abosede Akinsete among its notable beneficiaries.
NTTF President Tikon Ishaku, Vice President Adesoji Tayo, and other board members remain committed to empowering coaches and advancing gender inclusion in sports. Enitan Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of ITTF-Africa, has also reiterated his dedication to promoting women in sports under the GEDI framework.
Renowned speakers will deliver insightful sessions on leadership and management strategies, equipping coaches to identify and nurture talent, develop high-performance athletes for global competition, and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
In a recent interview with Elton Brobbey, Herbert Mensah, President of World Rugby’s African Association and former Kumasi Asante Kotoko Board Chairman, expressed concerns about Ghana’s declining status as a sporting nation.
This follows Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years, coupled with disappointing performances at global events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Mensah criticized the ineffective use of resources, particularly in football, stating, “We have to look inwardly at ourselves. A great sporting nation like Ghana is no longer a great sporting nation. The money spent on these events, especially on football, is not acceptable.”
Ghana’s underperformance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the country won no medals, underscores the veteran sports administrator’s concerns.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Ms. Wendy Naa Deide Sampah has encouraged young people to actively participate in functional sports activities.
Highlighting the advantages of functional sports, she emphasized that it enhances physical fitness and provides engaging and dynamic experiences for participants and spectators alike.
As a member of the International Technical Officers of the Functional Sports League Ghana, Ms. Sampah outlined the numerous benefits of involvement, including opportunities for socialization and learning from diverse and resourceful individuals within the community.
She commended Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of the Ghana Functional Sports League, and Awal Mohammed, the winner of the inaugural national championships, held over two days at the Zulka Astro Turf Park and Idrowhyt Events Centre.
Beyond her advocacy, Ms. Sampah is a multi-talented individual—a teacher, photojournalist, producer, sports enthusiast, health advocate, philanthropist, and founder of the Wendy Foundation.
Functional sports, a specialized form of training, focus on enhancing athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injury by preparing the body for specific sports-related activities.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
Former Youth and Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has called for a comprehensive overhaul of sports in Ghana following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This marks the first time in 20 years that Ghana will not compete in the tournament, after finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points and no wins in six games.
Speaking to Channel One TV, Afriyie Ankrah expressed deep concern about the state of sports, particularly football, in Ghana. He highlighted a critical moment during Ghana’s campaign when Mohammed Kudus faced jeers from the crowd while taking a penalty.
“It was very, very sad, particularly when Kudus was going to take the penalty, and the crowd was jeering at him. I was so shocked,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s time for the whole country to take a closer look at the Black Stars, soccer, and sports as a whole. We need a reset.”
In the wake of Ghana’s disappointing performance, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has dissolved the Black Stars Management Committee, with the Executive Council set to decide on coach Otto Addo’s future soon.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 3, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International, Other Sports
Olympic champions Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands have been crowned as the 2024 World Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards held in Monaco. The prestigious honors followed a fan vote and celebrated exceptional performances in track, field, and out-of-stadium events.
Tebogo, who won multiple medals, including gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was named the Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, while Hassan, a standout in both track and road racing, received the Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year title and the overall women’s accolade.
Category Winners
Women’s World Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)
Men’s World Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA)
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR)
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Mondo Duplantis (SWE)
Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)
Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year: Tamirat Tola (ETH)
Women’s Rising Star: Sembo Almayew (ETH)
Men’s Rising Star: Mattia Furlani (ITA)
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the winners, stating, “These athletes have set new standards in their disciplines, showcasing the very best of our sport.”
