| Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor |
| Inspired by Aspire, Close Links Forged Between Slovenia and Qatar |
Photo by: Adel Hakouz
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Achievement, Synergy, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect and Excellence; take the first letter of each word and you have Aspire, the Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha, the capital city of Qatar.
Aspire is a state-of-the-art emporium for sport with world class coaches being employed.
Notable names like Sweden’s Jörgen Persson and Stellan Bengtsson have been the mentors for table tennis; at the moment the incumbent head coach is Germany’s Steffen Fetzner. |
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The splendid Aspire centre in Doha |
Visit
In 2007 it was the home for the Qatar Open and more recently, at the end of October, welcomed Dr. Miran Kondric, a member of the ITTF Sports Science Committee with two colleagues, Croatia’s Dr. Gordana Furjan-Mandic and Romania’s Dr. Nicolae Ochiana from Romania.
The party was invited by Zlatko Cordas, Technical Adviser of Qatar Table Tennis Association with the visit taking place following a request by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport.
Notable Sports Scientist
“Dr. Kondric is one of the most productive table tennis scientists in the world”, explained Zlatko Cordas. “In the past two years he successfully organized the 10th ITTF Sports Science Congress in Zagreb and the International Science Congress: Table Tennis and the Ageing Population in Porec.”
Furthermore he is noted for his writings. “Also, he published the Scientific approach in table tennis and tennis in Slovenia”, added Zlatko Cordas. “His work is well known to all the ITTF members having been an ITTF Sports Science Member since 1997.”
Request
It was Dr. Miran Kondric who inspired the visit.
“On his wish the Qatar Table Tennis Association arranged for him a visit to Aspire Academy; the purpose of this visit was first of all to find a way to strengthen the link between the Aspire Academy and ITTF Sports Science Committee as Dr. Kondric has shown a great interest in working together and with the Aspire Centre”, continued Zlatko Cordas. “Therefore, the Qatar Table Tennis Association made it possible for him and his colleagues to learn more about the possibilities and facilities of this centre.”
Unique
In the sporting world Aspire is quite unique.
“The Aspire Academy was established by law No 16 FY 2004 as an independent government funded agency that reported directly to the Emir through the Heir Apparent”, explained Zlatko Cordas. “It was tasked to provide sports training and education to students with sporting potential in an exceptional learning and sporting environment; the aim is to have athletes that are well trained in the educational, practical and academic levels in various sports so as to meet the needs of the Qatari society and realize its aspirations in regional and international sports competitions.”
Change
However, four years later there was a change.
“Emiri Decree No 1 FY 2008 replaced Law No 16, maintaining the original purpose of the Academy but changed its governance position from independent to a general directorate strategic business unit of the Aspire Zone Foundation”, explained Zlatko Cordas who delighted to show his guests the magnificent facilities
“The Aspire Dome covers an astounding 290,000 square metres of floor space and stands at an impressive 46 metres high”, enthused Zlatko Cordas. “It seats 15,000 spectators, it has high altitude laboratories for elite athlete training; surely these quick facts about Aspire must amaze you!”
Second Visit
It was for Dr. Miran Kondric his second visit to Doha and he was most impressed by what had been achieved in the past five years.
“The Aspire centre was opened in the same year as he was there for the first time but until now he didn’t have a chance to see this marvellous sports facility”, said Zlatko Cordas. “Talking with Communications Manager Mr. Laurent Joliat and Sports Director Mr. Wayde Clews and guided by Janice Walter, he found some common interests which could be a good foundation for a co-operation between the Aspire Centre, the Qatar Table Tennis Association and the members of the ITTF Sports Science Committee; he hopes that in the future we can bring up some projects in favour of our country and the ITTF Sports Science Committee.”
Looking Forward
Impressed at the recent past, Dr. Miran Kondric looked forward.
“Immediately after his visit he has sent a proposal for some joint training camps with the young players from Qatar and Slovenia to Steffen Fetzner”, concluded Zlatko Cordas. “He also left a prospectus for organizing a camp in Slovenia for players from Qatar and pointed out that it would be a great honour for him if the leaders from Qatar Table Tennis Association and their players decided to visit Slovenia and hold their table tennis or physical preparation camp there.”
A positive move, one of co-operation, one to be applauded.
Visiting Aspire, Dr. Miran Kondric (left) with Mr. Wayde Clews, the Sports Director (centre) and Zlatko Novakovich, coach, (right).
Photo courtesy of Dr Miran Kondric |
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