Opinions of Wednesday, 16 August 2023
Columnist: Cedric Dzelu
In a remarkable collaboration between Hope Performance Tennis and the Ghana Tennis Federation, the National Junior Ranking Tournament has emerged as a beacon of promise and excellence for young tennis players in Ghana.
Held three to four times a year, this tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone, providing a platform for aspiring junior tennis players to showcase their skills, compete at a higher level, and lay the foundation for their journey towards greatness.
Empowering the Future Objectives of the Tournament: The National Junior Ranking Tournament has been carefully crafted to achieve a multitude of objectives that nurture talent, foster growth, and elevate the junior tennis landscape in Ghana.
These objectives include:
1. Regular Competition Platform: The tournament offers a recurring opportunity for junior players to engage in healthy competition, sharpen their skills, and gauge their progress against their peers.
2. Ranking the Best: One of the tournament's key objectives is to establish a credible ranking system for junior tennis players in Ghana. This ranking not only provides a clear overview of players' standings but also fuels healthy rivalry and determination to climb higher.
3. Pathway to National Teams: By offering a reliable pathway to national teams, the tournament facilitates the selection of exceptional junior players who demonstrate remarkable talent and dedication. This strategic selection process strengthens the national teams and propels young players onto the international stage.
4. Skill Development: The National Junior Ranking Tournament isn't just about competition; it's also a crucial platform for nurturing and honing the skills of young athletes. Regular participation allows players to refine their techniques, strategies, and mental fortitude.
5. Identifying Promising Players: The tournament serves as a talent pool from which promising players are identified for further support and advanced training. This strategic approach ensures that the most promising talents receive the resources they need to thrive.
Impressive Results and Success Stories, with Two National Junior Ranking Tournaments successfully conducted so far, the results have been nothing short of impressive.
Boasting substantial participation, the tournaments have highlighted the dedication of young players and their commitment to honing their craft. It's noteworthy that players representing Ghana in the ongoing ITF/CAT West African 12 and Under Competition have been actively ranked and recognized through the National Junior Ranking System, a collaborative effort by Hope Performance Tennis and the Ghana Tennis Federation.
Congratulations to the Emerging Stars: As the National Junior Ranking Tournament continues to pave the way for young talents, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following players who have secured their spot in the Ghana National 12 and Under team:
Boys:
1. Jeff Frimpong
2. Gerald Ankrah
3. Eric Torto
Girls:
1. Angel Bagerbaseh
2. Lisel Ampah
3. Georgette Nortey
Their remarkable journey reflects their dedication, hard work, and the nurturing environment that the National Junior Ranking Tournament offers. We wish them every success as they represent Ghana on the international stage and embody the spirit of excellence that defines the future of Ghanaian tennis.