ITTF Asia Para Table Tennis Training Camp Unites Athletes Ahead of Paris 2024
On July 16-20, Thailand hosted the ITTF Asia Para Table Tennis Training Camp in conjunction with the ITTF Fa40 Thailand Para Open. This event brought together 16 para table tennis athletes (8 male, 8 female) from 7 Asian member associations, including Indonesia, India, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Hong Kong (China). Under the guidance of head coach Alessandro Arcigli from Italy, the camp provided a valuable opportunity for these athletes to refine their skills and strategies ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
“The Training Camp is a great chance for participants to interact with players from different countries and train in a unique way,” said Arcigli. “We spend over 6 hours a day in the gym, allowing players and coaches to exchange feedback and help the ITTF plan future para table tennis development projects.”
Another major camp took place in Laško, Slovenia from July 23-30, featuring 60 athletes from 13 countries focused on their Paralympic aspirations. This camp included 12 Olympic sparring partners from 5 countries, enhancing the quality of training and fostering camaraderie among the athletes.
“It was an awesome experience to see the high standards of all the players,” said Dawne Fortuin, a coach from South Africa.
The ITTF’s commitment to para table tennis extends beyond the Paris 2024 Games. Upcoming initiatives include national training camps in Oceania for New Zealand (Sept 28-Oct 2) and Tonga (Nov 3-8), as well as the inaugural Para Table Tennis U-23 European Challenge 2024 in France (Oct 21-25). Additionally, the ITTF has provided athlete grants to 18 players from 14 member associations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with 6 already qualifying for Paris 2024.
Through these comprehensive training camps, grants, and development programs, the ITTF is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of table tennis and empowering para athletes around the world as they pursue their Paralympic dreams.
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