OTTA delivers presentation on development of women’s game

The Oman Table Tennis Association (OTTA) delivered a visual presentation to International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on the ‘Development of Women Table Tennis in the Sultanate’.

The presentation was part of a webinar organised by the ITTF High Performance and Development Unit for the programme titled ‘My Gender. My Strength’. The webinar came in coincidence with the sultanate’s celebration on Omani Women’s Day that occur yearly on October 17.

Sajad Mohammed Baqir, vice chairman of OTTA, briefed the participants on the development stages of domestic women and girls in table tennis. He commenced the presentation on a summarised description of the government attention on the women’s sports including table tennis. He wished a happy Omani Women’s Day for all the women players, coaches and umpires.

The OTTA official moved on to the association’s earlier efforts on the women’s TT development during the Oman Tables Tennis Committee period.

“There was a direct coordination between OTTA, Ministry of Education and Oman School Sports Association (OSSA) to develop TT in the sultanate at different categories with more focus at junior level and taking the potential stars from schools, universities, clubs and even the elderly of both genders. The project of ‘Women’s Development in Oman’s Table Tennis’ came through an initiative organised between OTTA and OSSA.

Baqir said the plan in 2023 is to increase number of women umpires to 30 as the sultanate will organise the prestigious 2023 ITTF World Veteran Championship.

“Also, our plan is to have more female and girls players. The target is to reach to 40 and 50 players in the few following years. Also, three top female players will be selected for the forthcoming international events.”