Joseph Ssebatindira captains Team Uganda at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal today after defending his U-12 boys' singles title at the ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge in Sheffield on 18 October.
The Ugandan paddler beat New Zealand's Lucas Alexandre 3-1 with games of 11-8, 6-11, 11-4 and 12-10 to retain the global crown he won previously.
Ssebatindira won 62 of 68 individual games across the tournament in England, losing only six as India's Lakshay Kumar took third and France's Hachim Tifassi Idrissi finished fourth.
"It was a tough competition, but I'm happy I won," Ssebatindira said after the World Hopes Week and Challenge.
His route to the title included opponents from Chile, India and Britain, giving him exposure to varied playing styles ahead of Dakar.
"I feel very happy to represent Uganda in the Youth Olympics," he said before travelling to Senegal.
"It's a tough competition, but I do my best," he added about his medal prospects.
As captain, Ssebatindira carries leadership duties beyond his own matches, saying he would do his duty as captain of the team.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether a 12-year-old can handle the dual pressure of captaincy and medal expectations at a multi-sport Games.
Ssebatindira's ITTF World Hopes U-12 titles: 2025 (maiden), 2026 (defended, Sheffield, 18 Oct).
- Final result: Ssebatindira (UGA) bt Alexandre (NZL) 3-1 (11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 12-10)
- Tournament record: 62 games won, 6 lost
- Podium: 1 Ssebatindira (UGA), 2 Alexandre (NZL), 3 Kumar (IND), 4 Idrissi (FRA)
Source: Kawowo Sports
