12-YEAR-OLD EGYPTIAN TABLE TENNIS STAR IS FIRST AFRICAN PLAYER TO TOP WORLD RANKING

Hana Goda, the 12-year-old table tennis rising star, is now the first Egyptian and African player to top the Women’s Single International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Cadet World Ranking. She rose to claim the title after having secured numerous titles throughout her career. She recently placed first in three categories at the 2019 ITTF tournament: Cadet Teams U15, Double Cadet U15 and Single Cadet U15.

Following her in the rankings were Japan’s 11-year-old Miwa Harimoto and Brazil’s 14-year-old Giulia Takahashi. Goda took to her Facebook page thanking God for the international recognition and commenting: “First step towards my dream (of an) Olympic medal for Egypt.”

A new generation of Egyptian athletes seems to be coming over the horizon. What kind of support do you feel they need to build on their achievements? Let us know in the comments below.