In the heart of Cairo, Egypt, a thrilling convergence of passion, precision, and dreams is set to unfold from 14 to 20 October 2023. The African Youth Training Camp, an initiative born from the dedication of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), and first introduced during the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) meeting held at the ITTF World Championships Finals Durban 2023, embodies a dynamic collaboration involving the ATTF, Egypt Table Tennis Federation (ETTF), and the CTTA. With the unwavering support and commitment of ITTF, this partnership unites key stakeholders to advance the development of the sport, foster global cooperation, and empower the emerging talents of African youth players and their coaches.

We are absolutely thrilled to be able to hold this momentous training camp in Africa. It is sure to be a truly extraordinary journey of skill development, camaraderie, and coaching excellence, spearheaded by the prestigious Team China, which will shape the future of table tennis in the region. Polona Cehovin, ITTF Development Director

Team China, celebrated as the powerhouse of table tennis, leads this transformative journey.

Their presence at the African Youth Training Camp is nothing short of a game-changing opportunity for African talents. With their wealth of experience and expertise, Team China will guide, mentor, and inspire young African players, elevating their skills and nurturing their potential. Dr. Alaa Meshref, ITTF Executive Board Member in charge of Development

Table Tennis of China, share to the World Chinese youth players in Africa! is the slogan of the Chinese Table Tennis Association underlined by He Xiao, the CTTA Secretary General, for the occasion. In fact, the Africa Youth Training Camp will be the second time in the last year that Team China has shown their commitment to elevating global table tennis development. In December 2022, they participated in the last stop of the Road to Tunis, a High Performance training camp series aimed at players qualified for the ITTF World Youth Championships, proving that a shared approach is vital to world-class training.

In this collaborative effort, the ATTF and ETTF, as the host, play pivotal roles. Their unwavering dedication to boosting the sport in the region has been instrumental in making this camp a reality, which represents an important platform for African youth players to flourish and coaches to thrive.

Egypt recognised the immense potential of hosting the WTT Youth Contender Cairo event and saw an opportunity to complement it with this African Youth Training Camp. This dual initiative not only displays their commitment to table tennis but also reinforces Egypts position as a key hub for the sport in the region.

The ITTF, with its tireless commitment to promoting the sports growth, has pledged its support for the camp and will be covering the Official Hospitality Package (OHP) costs for two players per Member Association, aligning with entry rules. Additionally, ITTF will sponsor one coach nominated by the Member Association, subject to specific criteria. To maintain coaching excellence, ITTF has established rigorous criteria for the coaches they support, representing the federations dedication to nurturing coaching talent and enhancing the overall quality of coaching in the sport.

The African Youth Training Camps primary focus is on harnessing the potential of Africas dynamic young players. Through intensive training sessions, personalised guidance, and exposure to world-class playing styles, participants are poised for a transformative journey.

This partnership also reflects ITTF Developments commitment to fostering long-term growth worldwide. Its objective is to establish an enduring legacy marked by improved table tennis infrastructure, expanded player opportunities, and a strengthened network of empowered coaches. This mission takes on added importance in light of the forthcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026, a historic event that will see the Olympic torch lit on African soil.

Beyond the rigorous training, the camp provides a unique platform for cultural exchange. Players from diverse backgrounds will engage, share experiences, and forge friendships that transcend continents. These connections formed here extend beyond the confines of the table, enriching the lives of all involved.

With the collaborative support of Team China, the sharp engagement of the ATTF and ETTF, and the instrumental role of the ITTF, this camp offers hope for young African players and their coaches. Join us in shaping the future of table tennis in Africa. The ITTFs dedicated commitment to development shines brightly.

Participants are invited to join the African Youth Training Camp at the Dr. Hassan Mostafa Complex in Cairo, Egypt. This training camp is held concurrently with the WTT Youth Contender Cairo and offers an unparalleled opportunity to refine table tennis skills while shaping the sports future. Dont miss this chance for professional growth and international exposure in the world of table tennis. To secure your place at this unique activity, aspiring participants can view the Prospectus for more information.