Tribune News Network
Doha
In a breakthrough initiative for Asian table tennis, the continent’s most promising young talents gathered at Qatar’s prestigious Aspire Academy for the groundbreaking "Future Stars” training camp.
The camp ran from December 17 to 23, 2024, bringing together emerging players with 30 specialized coaches representing 25 national federations across Asia.
A diverse field of approximately 90 participants, ranging in age from 9 to 16 years old, took part in the training camp.
The camp’s significance extends far beyond numbers, as it represents the formal inauguration of the Asian Table Tennis Union Academy, a groundbreaking institution established through a recently signed partnership agreement between the Union and Aspire Academy. This collaboration marks a new chapter in Asian table tennis development, creating a pathway for identifying and nurturing future stars across the continent.
Receiving Technical Training by Experts in the Field Peter Karlsson, one of the most prominent former world table tennis stars, was the head coach of the training camp. Karlsson’s involvement brings world-class expertise to the camp, with his technical vision and extensive international experience proving invaluable for both players and coaches alike. His role in designing and overseeing the training program ensures participants benefit from innovative coaching methodologies and decades of elite-level experience.
"Overall, this camp has been a huge success. I’m really satisfied with the way it has been planned and most importantly, the commitment and energy from the players, said Karlsson. "This camp has not just met my expectations; it has exceeded them. Thanks to the dedication of our players, the expertise of our coaches, and the tireless efforts of our local staff, we have created opportunities for growth.” "It’s been nothing short of inspiring to watch it all unfold.” The camp’s dynamic structure featured intensive twice-daily training sessions under the supervision of specialized coaches. These sessions were complemented by diverse activities tailored to accommodate players of all ages and skill levels, creating a comprehensive development environment that goes beyond traditional training approaches.
An Opportunity to Exchange Cultures and Experiences Team Qatar’s table tennis youth coach Ahmedov Rashid expressed confidence in his team’s growth during the training camp as they face strongly competitive countries: "This training camp and these tournaments represent an extraordinary opportunity for growth. Our athletes are developing not just technically, but mentally and physically as well,” stated Rashid. "Beyond the sport itself, they’re gaining invaluable life experience by connecting with players from diverse backgrounds and learning from different playing styles, particularly from powerhouses like Korea and Japan.” "Given that Asia stands as the strongest continent in table tennis, this exposure is invaluable for our national team. With ten intensive sessions under their belts, some of our players are already showing dramatic improvement.” Rashid added.
Lebanon’s youth coach Basel Harb was impressed with the atmosphere he witnessed at Aspire Academy: "The experience has been nothing short of extraordinary, largely thanks to the caliber of coaching we have received,” said Harb. "Every aspect of this camp has been meticulously planned and executed to perfection—from the training schedule to the quality of equipment. The facilities, the players, the coaches—everything has come together to create an ideal training environment.” "This experience has left us eager for more. Qatar has proven itself not just as a host, but as a premier destination for table tennis excellence. We leave here with hope that this won’t be our last time training in these exceptional conditions,” he added.
Endless Benefits for the Players At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to providing young athletes with first-class training and development opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment. The state-of-the-art facilities at Aspire Academy provide the perfect setting for this ambitious program, offering participants access to world-class training resources and expertise.
The diversity of participants creates a unique learning system where young players from different Asian nations can share techniques, experiences, and cultural perspectives. This international exchange is an instrumental element to technical training, promoting not just athletic development but also personal growth and cross-cultural understanding.
Sri Lankan player Shamalsha Devumi was grateful for the opportunity Aspire Academy provided with the training camp: "Aspire Academy has opened its doors and hearts to us, providing opportunities we could only dream of back home in Sri Lanka,” Devumi disclosed. "Where we often face limited resources, here we’ve found world-class facilities and the chance to train alongside remarkable players who push us to new heights”.
"From the state-of-the-art training facilities to the outstanding accommodations, every aspect of this experience has exceeded our expectations,” she continued.
Kenyu Hiratsuka, one of the participating Japanese players, mentioned how he improved throughout the duration of the camp: "Taking part in this training camp opened my eyes to a whole new world. Not only did I face off against incredible players from across Asia, but I found myself growing in ways I never expected,” Hiratsuka explained.
"My English improved through countless conversations between matches, my table tennis skills sharpened against diverse playing styles, and I gained life lessons that went far beyond the court.” With Karlsson’s technical expertise guiding the program, participants are receiving instruction that goes beyond basic skill development. Aspire Academy Swedish International’s experience as a former world-class player brings a unique perspective to the training sessions, offering insights into both the technical and mental aspects of competing at the highest levels.
As the "Future Stars” camp concludes at Aspire Academy, it represents more than just a training opportunity, it is a steppingstone toward a brighter future for Asian table tennis. Through this innovative partnership between the Asian Table Tennis Federation and Aspire Academy, the foundations are being laid for the next generation of table tennis excellence in Asia.