First Omani female umpire officiates in ITTF World Team Championships
Aisha bint Saeed al Saidiya, the first female umpire from Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council to earn the prestigious elite blue badge in international table tennis officiating, is currently making history at the ITTF World Team Championships in Busan, Korea, which will continue till February 25.
Aisha described the tournament as one of the most competitive international events under the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Over 2,000 male and female players from 40 countries, grouped into eight divisions, are participating.
She noted the exceptional calibre of players participating, emphasising the intense competition and the narrow margins that separate the contenders vying for top honours. The tournament's structure consists of three rounds for participating teams.
Aisha noted the high standard of matches she has officiated and expressed her ambition to umpire Olympic table tennis matches.
Her journey as an umpire began in 2016, and since then, she has officiated numerous local, regional and international tournaments. Her portfolio includes prestigious events such as the WTT Star Contender championships, the French International Paralympic Championship, and the Tunisian International Championship.
Aisha's achievement as the first Omani and GCC female umpire to attain the elite blue badge in table tennis not only marks a milestone in her career but also serves as an inspiration, highlighting the growing presence and recognition of women officials in the realm of international sports.
Over 2,000 male and female players from 40 countries are participating in the ITTF World Team Championships in Busan, Korea till February 25