Veteran table tennis maestro Saka Suraju is set to make a comeback at the continental stage at the 2026 ITTF Africa Championships in Tangier, Morocco. The championships will take place between October 18 and 26. Suraju, who last represented Congo Brazzaville at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, believes his journey in the sport is far from over. At 50, he remains a formidable presence, renowned for his fiery forehand and deceptive serves.
Suraju's comeback to competitive play in 2025 demonstrated his resilience. At the Central African Regional Championships in Brazzaville, he battled through the group stages before bowing out in the quarterfinals in a thrilling 4–3 duel against eventual champion Batix Ylane of Cameroon. That performance reminded fans that his skill and fighting spirit remain intact.
Suraju's legacy is already etched in African table tennis history. In 2008, he became the only male singles player since 1968 to win the African Table Tennis Championships while representing a nation other than Egypt or Nigeria, clinching the crown for Congo Brazzaville. This achievement showcased his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
On the Olympic stage, Suraju broke new ground as the first table tennis player from Congo Brazzaville to compete at the Games, appearing in three successive editions: Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. His participation in these prestigious events solidified his position as a pioneer for his country in the sport.
Suraju's career haul includes a doubles silver and team bronze at the 2015 All-Africa Games in Brazzaville, alongside a doubles bronze at the 2011 Maputo Games. These accomplishments demonstrate his consistency and longevity in the sport. His achievements have earned him a place among Africa's most respected sporting figures.
For the Tangier showpiece, Suraju will line up with fellow veteran Saheed Idowu and rising star Pena Chelvy in Congo Brazzaville's three-man team. Together, they will test their mettle against Africa's finest across seven events at the elite tournament, staged at the 10,000-capacity Salle Omnisports Arena. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
Suraju's return is more than a comeback – it is a celebration of resilience, legacy, and the enduring spirit of African table tennis. As he takes to the table, he will be motivated by his desire to represent Congo Brazzaville and inspire a new generation of players. With his experience and skill, Suraju is poised to make a significant impact at the championships.
Key points
- Saka Suraju to compete at 2026 ITTF Africa Championships in Tangier, Morocco.
- Suraju last represented Congo Brazzaville at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
- Suraju won the African Table Tennis Championships in 2008 while representing Congo Brazzaville.
