Nigeria, Egypt lead Africa's charge as ITTF World Championships kick off in Busan
The Nigerian men's team faces a challenging group, drawn against powerhouses like Japan and Chinese Taipei, alongside Madagascar and Czech Republic.
The 2024 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) commenced today in Busan, South Korea, with Nigeria and Egypt leading the charge for Africa.
This prestigious event, offering Olympic qualification spots for the top eight teams, sees 40 men's and women's teams divided into eight groups, each vying for glory.
The Nigerian men's team faces a challenging group, drawn against powerhouses like Japan and Chinese Taipei, alongside Madagascar and Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian team, led by seasoned player Omar Assar, will battle Portugal, Romania, Iran, and Thailand.
ITTF Praises Event Organization and Sustainability Efforts:
ITTF President Petra Sörling and IOC member Ryu Seung-min, along with World No. 9 Shin Yubin, commended the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Korean Table Tennis Association (KTTA) for their dedicated efforts in preparing this "groundbreaking event."
The tournament boasts a unique distinction: it's the first ITTF event and the first non-multisport World Championships held in Korea to receive the prestigious ISO 20121 Certification for outstanding sustainability practices.
Sörling Applauds Sustainability Measures:
"The ISO Certification is a testament to the hard work of our local leadership," Sörling stated, highlighting the organizers' commitment to reducing waste and paper usage. "They've put a lot of effort into reducing waste and paper usage, among other things. I am excited to see how this event unfolds and how we can continue to learn and improve for future events."
Ryu Seung-min Emphasizes Importance of Hosting in Busan:
Ryu Seung-min, co-chair of the LOC, highlighted the significance of hosting the Championships in Busan: "This event represents a new chapter for table tennis in Korea Republic. We are honoured to welcome players and fans from around the world to experience the excitement and hospitality of Busan."
A Thrilling Celebration of Table Tennis:
The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 promises to be a captivating spectacle, uniting players and fans from across the globe in a vibrant celebration of the sport. With high stakes and fierce competition, all eyes will be on Nigeria, Egypt, and other contenders as they battle for ultimate victory.
