The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world championships is finally returning to Africa for the first time since 1939, when it was held in Egypt.
The ITTF World Championships is set to be held in Durban, South Africa, from May 20 to 28, and the whole city has been gearing up to host this year’s edition of the event.
With a few months to go, the South African Table Tennis Board unveiled the official mascot, Takuma, for the 2023 ITTF World Championships on Monday.
Takuma, the hippopotamus, embodies the strength and abundance of Africa’s cultural heritage. As the official mascot for the World Championships, Takuma will serve as a source of excitement, fostering fan engagement and building team spirit throughout the tournament.
Introducing Takuma, the hippopotamus, the official mascot of the #ITTFWorlds2023 #Durban2023.
The hippo was designed by 13-year-old Tumelo Nkoana from Mogogelo Village north of Pretoria.
Takuma embodies the strength and abundance of Africa’s cultural heritage. pic.twitter.com/bili6kXovb
— ITTF-Africa (@ITTFAfrica) February 27, 2023
Many fans in the city of Durban can look forward to seeing Takuma all over the city, as he will be utilised to attract new fans and increase team visibility in the local community. The mascot will also help promote team sponsors, merchandise, and other marketing activities, making him an essential part of the event’s success.
“We are thrilled to see the unveiling of Takuma as the official mascot for the ITTF World Championships Finals 2023,” said ITTF President, Petra Sorling at the unveiling.
“Mascots have a special ability to engage and excite audiences, especially younger fans, and we believe that Takuma will serve as a great ambassador for table tennis in South Africa and around the world. We hope that Takuma’s presence will help us to attract more young people to the sport and inspire a new generation of table tennis players.”
Takuma was designed by Tumelo Nkoana, a 13-year-old from Mogogelo Village north of Pretoria, who won a nationwide competition to select a mascot for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2013, beating over 180 other entries. Since then, Takuma has become the mascot for all sports in South Africa.
The ITTF World Championships Finals, which will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre, will feature top players from around the world competing for the top price.
