More than 100 players from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar have gathered in Dar es Salaam for the National Table Tennis Championships, which kicked off today at the Shaaban Robert Secondary School Hall and will conclude tomorrow.
The Secretary General of the Tanzania Table Tennis Association (TTTA), Agripina Habicht, said the event has attracted 20 teams 14 men’s teams and six women’s representing various parts of the country.
“Our main objective is to identify talented young players who can represent Tanzania in international competitions and contribute to the growth of the sport,” she said at the opening ceremony held on April 12, 2025.
She added that top performers typically those ranked in the top five or ten will be prioritized for selection in upcoming international events.
“This tournament helps us assess performance and build a strong pool of athletes who are ready to compete beyond national borders,” Agripina noted.
She also revealed that Shaaban Robert Secondary School, the host venue, has expressed interest in partnering with TTTA to further promote table tennis at the grassroots level.
The school’s headmaster, Suryakant Samji, reaffirmed their commitment, saying, “We are ready to support the development of this sport. Players and organizers should feel at home here and are welcome to share their needs in advance.”
Among the competitors is Omar Ali Said from Zanzibar’s Racket Club, who said his team is well-prepared and aiming for victory.
“We’ve trained hard, and we’re confident we can bring the trophy home,” he said.
The two-day championship promises intense competition and a platform for rising stars to shine on the national stage.
