Assar Urges ATTF To Provide Formidable Camp.

Omar Assar.

African number one table tennis player, Omar Assar, has appealed to the African Table Tennis Federation, ATTF, to make available a conducive camp site for African best table tennis players to train on regular basis in an effort to better their fortune in international competitions.

"It is a very good experience for me to be in Nigeria because this is my first time. I like it so much because I admire the people as well as the organization of the tournament and I wish also to come to Nigeria every
year to perform. I respect every player here, every coach and I know that Nigeria is a great country in table tennis and the tournament is not about revenge.

Having dethroned Segun Toriola as the African king of table tennis, Assar, said he must be in good form to defend his African title because all the players featuring in the tournament want to make name and better their rankings, thus he must not relent in his efforts to win the tournament.

It is about the game and I am looking forward to a very good performance in all my matches and it just doesn’t matter who wins or loses. I guess the player who has the best performance is the one that will win. It doesn’t matter who is the African champion or not, you have to play well and focus from the beginning.

The Egyptian table tennis player, explained that European Table Tennis players were living up to expectations in international competitions because the continent's table tennis ruling body always organise regular camping for its players where reputable coaches tutor them on modern and scientific training programmes.

"The prize money is fine but that is not the reason why we are here, because we could find a very higher prize money tournament elsewhere".
"But prize money is not the reason I am here. The reason is to be closer to the African people because we are African people. We have to communicate and be closer and I am excited that I will play the doubles and mixed-doubles with African and Nigerian players'. They are my friends and I enjoy every of my experience.

Assar, who is elated to feature in the ongoing first Lagos International Table Tennis Classic, said the tournament would create a platform for African table tennis players to establish a mutual relationship, stressing that he was not fascinated by the star prize money attached to the competition. 

"There is no perfect tournament all over the world, even when you play in China Open, you will find something you have to add. For the first time that Nigeria is hosting this tournament, it is good, I like the
hall, the equipment, the ball, maybe the floor has to be better next year and maybe the organisation of the spectators of course. For the first time,  it is a very good experience and a good tournament.


The top seeded player, said Nigeria table tennis players were very skillful, talented and they could win any ITTF/ATTF organised tournament because they have technical know- how of the sport which according to him stand them out among other African players.

" I don’t feel any pressure in Nigeria because I like the people because I know they are just supporting their players. I have a very good sport spirit, so I don’t mind if someone supports anyone in front of me.

The player who according to him is not under pressure playing against any Nigerian ping ponger, said his priority was to break new world's records.