Assar and Aruna Lead African Contingent to 2024 ITTF World Cup

Assar and Aruna Lead African Contingent to 2024 ITTF World Cup

Hassan Abdulsalam 17:08 - 20.03.2024

The elite tournament, boasting a prize purse of $1 million, is scheduled to take place in Macao, China, from April 15 to 21.

Egypt’s Omar Assar and Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna will be leading African table tennis players to the prestigious ITTF World Cups.

The elite tournament, boasting a prize purse of $1 million, is scheduled to take place in Macao, China from April 15 to 21.

Revival of a Prestigious Tournament

The revival of the annual tournament, which had been dormant for some years, is part of the ITTF's strategic vision to invigorate the sport's rich heritage.

As the centenary celebrations of table tennis approach in 2026, this initiative underscores the ITTF's commitment to revitalizing iconic events with renewed vigor and excitement.

African Representation at the Highest Level

A total of 48 players will earn coveted spots in the Singles World Cup lineup, with 44 players qualifying through the Continental Cups or World Ranking, and up to two host association players receiving nominations.

Leading the charge for Africa are 2023 African Games champion Assar and finalist Aruna, who headline the list of African players confirmed for the championships.

Strong Contingent from Africa

In the men’s event, Assar and Aruna will be joined by Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh and Mohamed El-Beaili, while Egypt’s Hana Goda, the 2023 African Games champion, along with compatriots Mariam Alhodaby and Yousra Helmy, as well as Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou, will compete in the women’s event.

Quadri Aruna

Evolution of the World Cup Format

Since its inception in 1980 in Hong Kong, China, the World Cup format has undergone evolution, assembling the sport’s elite from around the world for fierce competition. With a new playing system and electrifying experience, the action promises to be intense.

To maintain fierce and fair competition, players from the same association are placed in different groups.

The winners of each group will advance to the knockout draw of Stage 2, while the Galaxy Arena, Macao's premier indoor venue with its cutting-edge arena, will blend the world of table tennis with entertainment, promising an unprecedented spectacle for spectators worldwide.

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