The leadership of the Tanzania Table Tennis Association (TTTA) has announced plans to promote the sport across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Speaking with The Respondent Online, TTTA Vice Chairman Rashid Sharif revealed that they have already started by facilitating participation in various competitions between Zanzibar and the mainland.
Sharif explained that the association is establishing development centers and talent identification programs at Kisutu School, where they are offering training for young players.
He also highlighted that TTTA has successfully identified athletes who will form the national team to represent Tanzania in international competitions. Additionally, the national championships for both able-bodied athletes and those with disabilities recently concluded at the Shaban Robert School hall in Dar es Salaam.
"We have successfully selected the top eight winners in both the able-bodied and disabled categories. These athletes will represent Tanzania in upcoming international tournaments," Sharif stated.
Moreover, Sharif emphasized the need for table tennis to expand nationwide, calling for more participation in all regions of Tanzania, both on the mainland and in Zanzibar.
Regarding the inclusion of women and people with disabilities, Sharif noted that TTTA continues to encourage their involvement in competitions in order to inspire greater participation from these groups.
He issued a call to Tanzanians, particularly women with talent, to take up the sport and enhance the number of players, as the current participation rate of women remains lower than that of men.
