Monrovia – Some concerned Parents of aspiring young athletes have raised concerns that the future of table tennis in Liberia is at risk, citing poor management and lack of support under the Liberia National Table Tennis Association (LNTTA) led by President Gbassay Golee.
By A. Macaulay Sombai, [email protected]
According to residents and parents of the Chessman Avenue Community in Sinkor, Monrovia, who designated Emmanuel Tarnu to speak on their behalf, many families have withdrawn their children from the LNTTA Training Program after repeated visits to the association’s headquarters left them disappointed.
Tarnu recounted that when he and other parents visited the Broad Street Headquarters in April, May and again in subsequent months, they consistently found the facility inactive. “The headquarters was always empty,” Tarnu explained, adding that on one occasion, only six children were present, and none had access to equipment or coaches.
“When we asked the children, they told us that they often arrive between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm and stay until 6:00 pm, but no officials or coaches come for training sessions,” Tarnu lamented. “They also said they lack basic equipment like tennis balls.”
Frustrated by what they describe as neglect, Tarnu said parents concluded that they could no longer entrust their children’s sporting future to the association. He warned that such setbacks are not only discouraging young athletes but also putting Liberia at risk of losing future table tennis stars.
Calling for collective action, Tarnu urged parents to engage directly with the association’s leadership. “It is time for us as parents to come together and engage the LNTTA president and his officials about the setbacks our children are facing. If they agree to work hand-in-hand with us, we can put ideas together for the common growth of youth skills development for both local and international competitions.”
The concerns echo broader frustrations in Liberia’s sports community, where many lesser-supported disciplines struggle with funding, leadership, and infrastructure. Unless addressed, parents warn, table tennis may continue to lose its next generation of talent.
Meanwhile, all efforts to reach the Liberia National Table Tennis Association President didn’t work out as his phone could not be reached up to press time and he didn’t respond to text messages.
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