Damascus Hosts International Table Tennis Veterans Championship
The Al-Jalaa Sports City in the Syrian capital of Damascus is currently hosting the International Table Tennis Veterans Championship for men and women. The event is organized by the Syrian Arab Table Tennis Federation in collaboration with the Arab Sports Veterans Federation.
The tournament features a significant turnout of 100 players. Participants include local Syrian talent as well as a selection of athletes from Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, and Sudan. The international scope of the event is further reflected by the participation of athletes from Germany, France, and China. Competition is divided into five age groups, ranging from players aged 30 to those over 70.
Zilal al-Moallem, President of the Syrian Arab Table Tennis Federation, stated that hosting this championship aligns with the Federation’s commitment to enhancing player skills and facilitating the exchange of technical expertise. He noted that the organization intends to establish this event as an annual fixture. Al-Moallem emphasized that the Federation is currently prioritizing professional development pathways, specifically through polishing talent and preparing for future international engagements, ensuring that players gain valuable experience by competing against diverse schools of sport.
Hassan Habab, a member of the Table Tennis Federation, added that the championship extends beyond athletic competition. The program includes specialized initiatives such as training courses for coaches and programs to refine the skills of referees. Furthermore, the event features dedicated competitions for athletes with disabilities, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to inclusivity and developmental goals.
The organizational standards of the Damascus-hosted event have drawn praise from participants and international referees. Jordanian international referee Yousef al-Masri emphasized that Syria has regained its natural standing as a vital hub for hosting international championships that bring together a wide spectrum of the sports community. He stressed the importance of ensuring all requirements for the event’s success are met.
Egyptian journalist Alaa Abdel Moneim also remarked that the championship successfully gathered an elite group of veteran players, which provided a high technical level to the competitions. He described the tournament as a significant opportunity to foster a competitive spirit and elevate the physical and technical proficiency of Syrian players.
The championship, which commenced on October 12, is scheduled to conclude this Friday. These activities serve as a strategic step for the Federation to advance the state of table tennis in Syria and expand the sport’s practitioner base.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
