In the fast-paced world of table tennis, where the intensity of the game meets the precision of the umpire’s call, Ghana’s Richmond Aguiar stands as a true African gem. His journey from a childhood passion for the sport to becoming an international certified umpire is nothing short of inspirational.
Aguiar, a name now synonymous with excellence in table tennis officiating among fans of the sport, is a Ghanaian table tennis umpire with tremendous love for the game. Being a passionate lover of the game, he discovered this love for the game at a young age. The rhythmic ping-pong of the ball and the swift exchanges between players captured his heart and ignited a passion that has shaped his life.
Over the years, Richmond’s devotion to table tennis led him to pursue his dream of becoming an umpire for this beautiful sport. His unwavering dedication is evident in his impressive track record of officiating at numerous local and international tournaments.
Notably, Richmond’s journey to international recognition reached a significant milestone when he officiated at the International Table Tennis Federation’s World Junior Championship (Open) and the ITTF/Africa Jurisdiction Cadet Championship, where he proudly officiated Ghana’s first Under 21 matches against England.
This momentous occasion marked a turning point in Richmond’s career, and he continued to work tirelessly to enhance his expertise. In November 2022, Richmond achieved yet another significant milestone by earning his International Umpiring (IU) certificate, a testament to his unwavering commitment and knowledge of the sport.
His dedication to the craft paid off as he soon found himself at the World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) West Africa Regional Championship, where he officiated the thrilling Men’s Final Match between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. His presence at such a prestigious event cemented his reputation as an exceptional umpire on the international stage.
Aguiar was selected as the sole Ghanaian representative, alongside umpires from Botswana and Ethiopia, to officiate at the ITTF Fa20 Valuejet Lagos Para Open 2023. This event featured only three foreign umpires, highlighting Richmond’s exceptional talent and dedication.
All these did not come through his sole effort. The Ghana Table Tennis Federation has played an immense role in all of this. Notable figures on the space – such as Mawuko M Afadzinu, the President of the Federation; Charles Tachie-Menson Jnr, Acting Technical Director; William Asare Berekorang, Treasurer of the Federation; Anthony Owusu-Ansah the National Team coach – have all played instrumental roles in shaping Aguiar’s path.
Richmond is expected to participate in the upcoming All Africa games and is as well in line to be slated for many upcoming continental and international tournaments.
