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The 2024 Paris Olympic Games commences on Friday as the BK Arena in Kigali hosts the African Qualification Tournament for table tennis.
Twenty-six men and 24 women from fifteen African nations will battle it out over three days for the coveted six spots (three men and three women) that guarantee entry into the Paris Olympics.
While many players are fresh from the recently concluded 2024 ITTF Africa Cup, the spotlight is on top seeds Olajide Omotayo and Offiong Edem of Nigeria, both medalists at the Africa Cup.
Omotayo, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, is determined to secure his return to the global stage.
However, he faces fierce competition from promising Tunisian youngster Wassim Essid, Cameroon's Ylane Batix, Madagascar's Fabio Rakotoarimanana, the seasoned Saheed Idowu from Congo Brazzaville, and Algeria's Mehdi Bouloussa.
Given his impressive performance at the Africa Cup, the 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medalist is expected to secure his ticket to Paris on May 17th, the day finalists in both men's and women's events will be decided.
Meanwhile, Omotayo's compatriot Edem, a bronze medalist at the 2023 African Games, is aiming for her fifth Olympic appearance, having previously competed in Athens 2004, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
Edem faces a formidable challenge from Cameroon's Sarah Hanffou, the 2010 African Champion, who is seeking her third Olympic appearance after London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.
However, both players are expected to encounter strong opposition from Tunisia's Fadwa Garci and emerging talents from Madagascar and Mauritius.
The African Qualification Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill and determination as these athletes compete for their dreams of Olympic glory.
