Uganda marks historic return to World Table Tennis Championships after 15 years

Uganda marks historic return to World Table Tennis Championships after 15 years

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Uganda is set to make a long-awaited comeback to the World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC), with the national women’s team heading to the 2025 edition of the prestigious event in Doha, Qatar. The team departs today Friday, May 16, ending a 15-year absence from the global stage.

This milestone has been made possible through the stellar performances of Jemimah Nakawala and Parvin Judith Nangonzi, who played a central role in securing Uganda’s qualification.

Over the past year, the duo has delivered impressive results, including a gold medal at the 2024 Regional Senior Championships in Kampala, a strong campaign at the All Africa Games in Ghana, and a historic bronze at the Africa Senior Championships in Ethiopia, Uganda’s first continental medal in 25 years.

“Uganda had not qualified for the WTTC since it became a mandatory qualification event,” explained Robert Jjagwe, President of the Uganda Table Tennis Association.

“Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Nakawala and Nangonzi, we are proud to return to the world’s biggest table tennis platform.”

Jjagwe credited the team’s success to the players’ passion, commitment, and discipline. He also lauded coaches Alvin Katumba and Tendo Mary Balyewunya for their dedicated mentorship and singled out three-time Olympian Mary Musoke for her unwavering support to Nakasero Table Tennis Club, where both athletes train.

Musoke has been instrumental in providing training equipment, financial support for coaches, and logistical aid.

Jjagwe further expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda, through Parliament and the National Council of Sports (NCS), for funding that enabled the team to participate in key qualification events. “Our partnership with NCS has opened vital doors for our athletes,” he noted.

The team will fly to Qatar via Qatar Airways and is expected to return on May 25 after the championships conclude.

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