After her three decades of romance with table tennis, 37-year-old Sarah Hanffou of Cameroon played his last international tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after the former African champion announced her retirement from the sport.
Hanffou who was eliminated in the first round of the Women’s Singles by Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching in Paris has represented Cameroon in several international tournaments including four Olympic Games described her journey as inspiring.
In an emotional message on her Facebook page, Hanffou wrote, “A page is turning. Putting away the racket. 30 years of ping. What can I say besides thank you?
Thanks to the coaches and volunteers who trained, accompanied, and educated me. I hope I’ve understood and carried the values you’ve passed down to me.
Thanks to the French federal structures that welcomed me. CREPS of Wattignies, INSEP.
Thanks to the friends of Ping. What a time spent with you, what a pleasure to see some of you the last few days.
“Thank you, relatives, family, friends for your support. Unfortunately, I can’t catch up on the time. In my new life, you will be my priority. And finally, thanks to the Cameroonians. Maybe a missed appointment for a few years. But what you’ve given me during these years is forever etched in my heart and my head. Your words calmed me down and gave me an overflowing desire to go beyond myself and give everything to represent the best of the country.
“What happiness and pride to have worn the colors of Cameroon, of the continent.
Thanks to the medical team, I wouldn’t be here today without you. Thank you Mauraine.
Thanks to the audience, I couldn’t have dreamed up a better last game of my career.
Thank you to everyone who was part of the journey. Eternally grateful for this one.
Thanks again to everyone,” she added.
Hanffou announced herself on the international scene when she became the first Cameroonian to clinch the Women’s Singles title at the 2010 Africa Cup in front of her home fans in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon and she was one of the six athletes who represented Cameroon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.
The practicing lawyer will now return to her Toulon bar in France to continue her profession after a meritorious 30 years of romance with table tennis.