BY BUX MUNIRA
In a heartfelt revelation on NBS SportLive on Thursday, June 1st, 15-year-old table tennis sensation, Astolo Halima, opened up about her extraordinary journey and the unwavering love for her sport that inspired her to start playing at such a tender age. Hailing from the small town of Mbogo in Kawempe, Halima set her eyes on table tennis as a means to overcome a financial crisis her mother was facing. At the age of 11, Halima embarked on her table tennis journey with a primary goal of acquiring a bursary. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of passion and dedication, as she ultimately succeeded in obtaining the bursary at Mbogo College, fulfilling her initial aspiration.
Halima’s rise to prominence in the world of table tennis has been nothing short of remarkable. In an exclusive interview with Munira Bux, she shared her journey of overcoming early setbacks, including a lack of proper training gear. “I used to train in long dresses since I didn’t have sportswear until my coach advised me that appropriate attire would improve my performance. My mother saved up, and I managed to purchase one that I wore for months in the beginning.”
Halima defied the odds, finding solace and joy in the rhythmic bounce of the ball, although it wasn’t without challenges. As a shy child who was afraid to ask for help, she faced initial mockery from the boy who first taught her how to play. “He used to make fun of me, questioning why a small girl like me wanted to play table tennis. Eventually, we became friends, and he gave me my first lesson.”
“I didn’t reveal to my mother that I was playing table tennis until my sisters got curious and followed me to a training session one day. My mother tells me every day that she is proud of me,” Halima tearfully admitted. Initially skeptical about her young child joining the sport, Halima’s mother’s pride soared in 2022 when she learned that her daughter would be part of the team representing Uganda at the International Secondary School Games in Normandy, France.
Halima, currently leading the Uganda Table Tennis Association National League, possesses a spirit that transcends her age, inspiring others to discover their own passions and fearlessly pursue them. “I want young children like me to know that sports offer many opportunities, and they should embrace them.”
Despite her rapid ascent, Halima remains grounded and humble, eagerly pushing her limits and continuing her journey towards greatness. Her story serves as a reminder that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams.
As Halima continues to flourish as an impressive talent, her story is sure to leave a lasting impression on the world of sports and beyond. She eagerly anticipates the upcoming International Table Tennis Africa Youth Championships, scheduled to take place in Morocco this July.
