In a strong display of African unity, a one-minute silence in honor of last weekend’s victims of the earthquake in Morocco got the 26th ITTF African Championships underway at the Rades Sports Complex, Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia on Monday, September 11, 2023.

Declaring the tournament open on Monday, September 10, 2023, the Tunisian Minister of Youth and Sports, Kamal Dakich, welcomed participating countries to the North African nation while promising warm hospitality for all.

President, the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, and President, of Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) Lotfi Guerfel, were on hand to support Dakich in serving off the tournament.

The colourful opening ceremony saw the hosts put up a brilliant display of Tunisian cultural heritage which highlights the country’s respect and tolerance for diversity. It also showcased how table tennis has become a catalyst for unity, empowerment, and social change across Africa, with the national anthems of all participating countries played to herald the official kick-off of the continental showpiece.

Impressed by the world-class facilities and preparations on the part of the hosts, El-Salhy thanked the “ITTF and the government of Tunisia for their professionalism in hosting major tournaments as they have become a shining example for Africa.”

“We hope that all teams will enjoy the great facilities and hospitality put up by the host nation,” El-Salhy added,

A record 25 nations are competing in the tournament.