The 8th edition of the GT Oddoye Memorial Junior Tennis Championship is currently underway at the Accra Lawn Tennis Club, drawing over 300 young participants from across the country. The one-week tournament, which started earlier this week, will conclude on September 7, 2024.
The championship has attracted players from various regions, including Winneba, Tema, Ashaiman, Accra, Techiman, and Tarkwa, showcasing exceptional talent among the country’s future tennis stars.
The competition, sponsored by the GT Oddoye family, features players aged 10-16 competing in singles and doubles events. It aims to promote grassroots tennis development and provide a platform for young Ghanaians to develop their skills.
The tournament has seen thrilling performances, particularly among the younger players. In the boys’ 10-year-old and U-12 singles matches, Barry Tagoe defeated Ezekiel Agbeko 4-1, Maxwell Antwi beat Christian Okoro 4-0, Stephen Adjani overcame Roland Torto 11-3, and Andrew Bankrah triumphed over Kwaku Barima 11-3.
Other notable matches included Stephen Boateng’s 15-13 victory over Caleb Donkor, Joseph Kwabena’s 11-9 win against Israel Smith, and Moro Jamel’s dominant 11-0 performance against Ellon Amartey. Several players expressed their excitement about participating in the prestigious event.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Okpoti George Oddoye, representing the GT Oddoye family, emphasized their commitment to supporting youth development programs in Ghana.
He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for young athletes to hone their skills and pursue their passion for tennis.
The tournament coordinator, Mr. Peter Annan, and trainer Bills Owen shared their experiences, noting that the championship has produced several notable players who have gone on to represent Ghana internationally. The event serves not only as a competition but as a critical stepping stone for aspiring tennis players in the country.
The 8th GT Oddoye Junior Memorial Tennis Championship continues to demonstrate the growing enthusiasm and talent for tennis among Ghana’s youth. As the tournament unfolds, it promises a bright future for the sport in the country, inspiring the next generation of tennis champions.