Joseph Sebatindira Shines in Portugal, Clinches U13 and U11 World Table Tennis Titles

Joseph Sebatindira, Uganda’s rising table tennis sensation, has once again put his country on the global sports map by securing two prestigious titles at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender tournament in Portugal. The young star first bagged gold in the Under-13 (U13) category, successfully reclaiming his WTT title, and then went on to defend his Under-11 (U11) World Number 1 ranking in a dominant fashion.

Sebatindira’s journey in the U11 category saw him drawn into Group 1, facing home-based opposition. The matches in this category commenced on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, with the talented Ugandan showing no signs of slowing down. His exceptional skill, discipline, and tactical prowess saw him storm through the competition, culminating in a spectacular victory in the finals.

In the championship match, Sir Joseph, as he is fondly referred to, faced off against Jayden Chen. Demonstrating remarkable precision and control, he outclassed his opponent in straight sets with scores of 11-5, 11-6, and 11-8 (3-0). This outstanding performance not only secured his second consecutive U11 world title but also reinforced his position as the top-ranked player in this age group.

Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) President, Robert Jjagwe, was full of praise for Sebatindira and his coach, Alvin Katumba, lauding their dedication and efforts. “Dear friends, please join me in congratulating Sir Joseph Sebatindira and Coach Alvin Katumba for clinching the second world gold medal in Portugal,” Jjagwe stated.

Sebatindira’s double triumph in Portugal marks a historic moment for Ugandan table tennis, showcasing the country’s potential on the international stage. His success serves as an inspiration to young athletes in Uganda and beyond, proving that with hard work and determination, global recognition is within reach.

The Ugandan delegation, including Joseph and his coach, is set to return home on Saturday, where they will undoubtedly receive a hero’s welcome. As the young star continues his journey, the nation watches with great anticipation, eager to see what new heights he will reach in his promising career.