WTT Youth Championship: Sir Joseph Ssebatindira to Test his Worth in Europe
In space of less than a year, Ssebatindira has won three international gold medals, he won the U11 medal in October in Egypt, U11 gold medal in Qatar in January 2024 and the U13 gold medal in Qatar the same year. And the president believes that Ssebatindira has the potential to upset the Europeans.
By: kayiirajackson@gmail.com
The three time gold medalist youngster, Sir Joseph Ssebatindira is up for another task as the only black child to represent Africa in the three unprecedented World Table Tennis Youth Championships to be held in Europe.
Ssebatindira, the 9-year-old Table Tennis Wonder kid from Uganda and his coach, Alvin Katumba have been flagged off on Friday evening at Cooper Chimney Lugogo to go to Europe to represent Uganda in 3 WTT Youth Contender championship slated to be held between 22nd May to 13th June 2024.
The three different championships of under 11 and under 13 will be held in three different countries, that’s; Poland, Sweden and Norway.
Nankya Anne represented National Council of Sports General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel and she thanked Uganda Table Tennis Association for promoting the sport and put a better use to the money they receive from the government, she has also thanked Ssebatindira for being a humble boy and even to go and compete in Europe with a lot of confidence and determination.
“I thank UTTA for having such events that promote the talent, like the president said, NCS has financed UTTA to its full budget and I thank them to put the money to proper use.” Said Nankya at the flag off.
“To Joseph, you’re a talented boy, very disciplined, I have have traveled with you so I ask you to keep that discipline, go and represent the flag well with confidence and determination.” She added.
For starters, according to Association’s president, Robert Jjagwe, UTTA has received 320 million shillings for this financial year.
On this trip, Sir Joseph Ssebatindira will also have a high level training camp in Halmstad Sweden as the president elaborates.
“From 29th May to 4th June, Joseph and Alvin will attend a High level training camp in Halmstad, Sweden before they play in the remaining two championships in Sweden and Norway. Joseph was given a special invitation to this training camp by the International Table Tennis Federation.”
In space of less than a year, Ssebatindira has won three international gold medals, he won the U11 medal in October in Egypt, U11 gold medal in Qatar in January 2024 and the U13 gold medal in Qatar the same year. And the president believes that Ssebatindira has the potential to upset the Europeans.
“I don’t know the medal he is coming back with but I believe among the three championship, Joseph has potential to get a medal.”
Ssebatindira’s coach, Alvin Katumba is also confident that his player is good enough to challenge the Europeans at their own land.
Ssebatindira and his coach, Alvin Katumba will depart the country on Sunday, boarding Ethiopian airlines.
The three unprecedented World Table Tennis Youth Championships dates:
22nd – 25th May : Poland
29th May to 4th June : Training Camp in Sweden
5th to 8th June : Sweden
10th – 13th June: Norway