Ghana’s international table tennis official, Millicent Ankude, has earned another significant milestone after being selected to officiate in the mixed doubles gold-medal final at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

The appointment marks a proud moment for Ghanaian table tennis, placing Ankude in a key officiating role at one of the biggest events on the international youth sporting calendar.

The final, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, at the Dakar Expo Centre, will see Japan’s Ryuusei Kawakami and Miku Matsushima take on Hong Kong, China’s Li Ki Ho and Su Tsz Tung, with both pairs seeking to claim the mixed doubles gold medal.

Ankude’s appointment adds to an impressive journey in the sport. She was among five young African umpires selected through the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Young Umpires Project to officiate at Dakar 2026.

Earlier this year, she earned her White Badge, becoming Ghana’s first young International Umpire.

Her progression from representing Ghana as a player at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to officiating at the Youth Olympic Games reflects her versatility, dedication and continued growth within table tennis.

In expressing her appreciation following the appointment, Ankude acknowledged the role of Mawuko Afadzinu, ITTF-Africa Vice President responsible for Marketing, in creating opportunities for Ghanaian officials.

She also thanked the GTTA executives and the wider table tennis fraternity for their support. She further recognised the mentorship of David Senyo Ahiaba, whose guidance has contributed to her development.

Her selection to officiate in the gold-medal final is another important achievement for Ghana and a testament to the growing opportunities for Ghanaian officials to make their mark on the international stage.