Aspire Academy welcomes future stars to groundbreaking table tennis training camp

Doha: In a groundbreaking initiative for Asian table tennis, the continent's most promising young talents gathered at Qatar's prestigious Aspire Academy for the pioneering Future Stars training camp.

The camp ran from December 17 to 23 and brought together emerging players with 30 specialist coaches representing 25 national federations across Asia.

A diverse field of approximately 90 participants, ranging in age from 9 to 16 years, took part in the training camp.

Action during the Future Stars training camp.

The significance of the camp extends far beyond numbers as it represents the formal inauguration of the Asian Table Tennis Union Academy, a pioneering institution established through a recently signed partnership agreement between the Union and Aspire Academy. This partnership marks a new chapter in Asian table tennis development and creates a path for identifying and nurturing future stars across the continent.

Peter Karlsson, one of the most prominent former table tennis stars in the world, 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 to players and coaches alike.

Overall, this camp has been a great success. I am really satisfied with the way it is planned and, most importantly, the commitment and energy of the players, said Karlsson.

This camp not only met my expectations; it has surpassed 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. Watching everything unfold was nothing short of inspiring, Karlsson said.

Ahmedov Rashid, Team Qatar's youth table tennis coach, expressed his confidence in the growth of his team during the training camp as they face highly competitive countries.

This training camp and tournaments represent an extraordinary opportunity for growth. Our athletes develop not only technically, but also mentally and physically, says Rashid.

In addition to the sport itself, they gain invaluable life experience by connecting with players from different backgrounds and learning from different playing styles, especially from superpowers such as Korea and Japan.

As Asia is 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.

Lebanese youth coach Basel Harb was impressed by the atmosphere he saw at the Aspire Academy.

The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks in large part to the level of coaching we received, Harb said.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to providing young athletes with first-class training and development opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Aspire Academy's state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect setting for this ambitious program, providing participants with access to world-class training resources and expertise.

Sri Lankan player Shamalsha Devumi was grateful for the opportunity provided by Aspire Academy during the training camp.

Aspire Academy has opened its doors and hearts to us, offering opportunities we could only dream of back home in Sri Lanka, Devumi revealed.

Because Karlsson's technical expertise guides the program, participants receive instruction that goes beyond basic skills development. Aspire Academy Swedish International's experience as a former world-class player brings a unique perspective to the training sessions, providing insight into both the technical and mental aspects of competing at the highest level.

With the Future Stars camp ending at Aspire Academy, it represents more than just a training opportunity; it is a springboard to a better future for Asian table tennis.

This innovative partnership between the Asian Table Tennis Federation and Aspire Academy will lay the foundation for the next generation of outstanding table tennis players in Asia.