Sports federations and associations in Tanzania have been urged to establish a tradition of honoring the pioneers of various games as a way of recognizing their contributions and preserving their legacy.
The call was made by Charles Maguzu, an officer from the National Sports Council (BMT), during the closing ceremony of the Issa Mtalaso Memorial Table Tennis Tournament.
The event, held at the Russian Embassy Hall in Dar es Salaam, honored the late Issa Mtalaso, a key figure in the development of table tennis in Tanzania.
Maguzu highlighted the importance of celebrating sports pioneers, stating that doing so would inspire respect and appreciation for their efforts while motivating others to uphold the legacy of these trailblazers.
"I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of people with disabilities in this tournament. This is an example that other sports should emulate to ensure inclusivity," Maguzu said.
He also called on the Tanzania Table Tennis Association (TTTA) to develop a strategic plan to introduce table tennis into the Union of Primary School Sports and Academics in Tanzania (UMITASHUMTA).
He urged the association to present the proposal to BMT for submission to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government.
"Currently, table tennis is only played in the Union of Secondary School Sports in Tanzania (UMISETA). Expanding it to primary schools would help nurture talent from an early age, and I hope this can happen as soon as next year," he added.
Maguzu congratulated the tournament winners and encouraged those who did not succeed to work hard and prepare for future competitions.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, praised the successful organization of the tournament, noting that Issa Mtalaso played a crucial role in promoting table tennis in the country.
"This event has brought together participants from both China and Tanzania. I am delighted to see both seasoned and young players engaging in this sport, which has fostered the exchange of ideas and experiences," she said.
In the Under-13 category, Warda Mungilwa (girls) and Weijing L (boys) emerged as champions. The Under-17 winners were Jamila Abdallah (girls) and Gotbuddin Taherali (boys).
In the doubles competition, Masoud and Alisa claimed victory, while Privatus Lijuakali won in the category for people with disabilities.