China-Tanzania friendship table tennis tourney opens
What you need to know:
- The players include Neema Mwaisyula, Masoud Mtalaso, and Amon Aman, all of whom have represented Tanzania in various international competitions
Dar es Salaam. Famous players from Tanzania's national table tennis team are among those competing in the China-Tanzania Friendship Cup held at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The players include Neema Mwaisyula, Masoud Mtalaso, and Amon Aman, all of whom have represented Tanzania in various international competitions, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games, as well as world and African championships.
The two-day tournament was launched yesterday by China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, and the Secretary General of the National Sports Council (NSC), Neema Msitha, with the aim of promoting the sport in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary General of the Tanzania Table Tennis Association (TTA), Yahya Mungilwa thanked the Chinese ambassador for supporting the promotion of the game in Tanzania.
"Throughout this period, our players have had the opportunity to travel to China and learn more about this game, where our counterparts are far ahead and performing well internationally," said Mungilwa.
He also noted that they have received modern table tennis equipment from China, which has been distributed to schools where the sport is now being played.
"These tournaments have helped us identify and nurture talent," he added.
China's Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said the tournament has boosted enthusiasm and further strengthened the friendship between the two countries, a bond forged by their leaders since the era of Tanzania's founding father, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.
"In China, table tennis is played at a high level, and here in Tanzania, the sport is also improving. National teams are competing both locally and internationally.
We believe this partnership will drive further success in this sport," said Chen Mingjian.
Meanwhile, BMT Secretary General Neema Msitha stressed that the tournament enhances the solidarity and friendship between China and Tanzania.
“When we organize such tournaments, it is we Tanzanians who benefit the most. Our counterparts are far more advanced in this sport, so we gain new techniques and experience,” Msitha said on behalf of the Minister for Arts, Culture, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro.
The tournament has drawn more than 200 players from China and Tanzania. participated in the tournament.