Hana Goda eyes third-consecutive African title: "Table tennis has given me everything. It’s literally my life."

Hana Goda has been unbeatable in the last two editions of the ITTF-Africa Table Tennis Championships, and is determined to seal her hat-trick when the 2025 tournament kicks off on October 12 in Tunis.

For Goda, the Tunisian capital offers more than just a competitive arena; it feels like home.

“I love playing in Tunis. I have many friends there, and it feels like home. There aren’t many tournaments in Egypt, so Tunisia feels familiar and comforting,” she told Olympics.com.

If Goda can successfully navigate the challenges in Tunis, she will qualify for the 2026 World Championships in London.

“I’ve been playing better and better recently. The wins aren’t easy; I’m facing top 20 players, and the matches are always close. But I’ve had some great victories, and I feel I’m close to reaching the next level.”

Hana Goda: Ambitions in Tunis

Goda’s goals for the tournament are bold yet grounded.

“I’m competing in teams, singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Winning all four would be ideal, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. My main focus is the singles,” she continued.

The prospect of competing in London excites her, not just for the sport but for the city’s cultural allure.

“I’ve wanted to go to London for so long. I watch the Premier League (football), and many of the teams are based there. It’s thrilling to think we could qualify.”

She believes Team Egypt's table tennis stars have a strong chance in both the men’s and women’s categories.

“We’ll fight to qualify. Tunisia, Algeria, and Nigeria are strong contenders, but we’ll give our best to stay on top.”

Rising Competition, Growing Confidence

Goda acknowledges the increasing competitiveness of the African Championships.

“The tournament is getting tougher. Younger players are improving rapidly, which is exciting to see. It won’t be as easy as before—it’ll be a challenge for all of us.”

She’s proud of the progress African table tennis has made. “Table tennis in Africa is at its highest level, and it keeps rising. The emerging talents are impressive. I’ll always fight for my place, but I’ll also support the younger players. It’s inspiring to watch them grow.”

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Hana Goda: A Life Shaped by Table Tennis

Goda’s sporting journey began at age four. Before fully committing to table tennis, she explored gymnastics, swimming, and handball.

Her parents then enrolled her at Al Ahly Club’s table tennis school in Cairo, where, due to her small stature, the coach lowered the table so she could play comfortably.

The talented youngster competed in major tournaments within and outside Egypt. By January 2020, she had become the youngest African to top the ITTF U15 and U17 Cadet and Junior Rankings.

In 2022, Goda won the ITTF Africa Cup and was ranked world No. 1 in the ITTF U-17 Girls' Singles in March 2023. She has since continued to shine in various WTT Youth Contender Series events.

“Table tennis has given me everything. It’s literally my life. On days I don’t play, something feels missing. I’ve learned so much through this sport; it’s shaped who I am,” she said.

Though still eligible for youth competitions, Goda has shifted her focus to senior-level events. “I didn’t stop playing youth tournaments, but I’m prioritising seniors now because they’re more important to me.”

As she continues to mature both on and off the table, Goda remains a beacon of excellence; not just for Egypt, but for the entire continent.

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