by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
The match is part of a World Championships preparation training camp, to be held in Varberg from Saturday 20th April to Friday 27th April, in which both Sweden and Japan have confirmed participation.
Winner of the Men’s Singles event at the 1954 World Championships in London and two years later the title regained on home soil in Tokyo, Ichiro Ogimura was very much the international man; in the late 1950s he arrived in Halland on the west coast of Sweden in order to lead training sessions for the national team.
He quickly made his views known, his presence felt.
“The Swedes are eating too many sweets; they have a decent group of men players coming up. The players are too slow and the women’s team needs to train more.” Ichiro Ogimura
Co-operation and with the likes of Hans Alser, Kjell Johansson appearing on the scene, a dynasty of excellence followed; a member of the ensuing group of World class players being Ulf “Tickan” Carlsson, now the national coach.
“I am happy. Seems like a good scenario for us to finish off our preparation camp with the match against Japan.” Ulf “Tickan” Carlsson.
However, the match not only celebrates the undoubted influence of Ichiro Ogimura, it also endorses the long standing bilateral relations that have existed since the mid-19th century between Sweden and Japan. It is a fact of which Petra Sörling, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of the Swedish Table Tennis Association highlighted.
“We are indeed very happy with the overall arrangements presented to us in Varberg. This is a good opportunity to continue the long and steady friendship with our Japanese friends, not only on court, but also when it comes to co-operation at the official level.” Petra Sörling
A splendid initiative; it is a very special occasion for the city of Varberg and the local Varbergs Table Tennis Club, the hosts. Understandably, Martin Anderson, the Director of Corporate Services in Varberg, is delighted to welcome the silver medallists from two years earlier in Kuala Lumpur.
“Excellent news; we are looking forward to welcome the Japanese team to our beautiful city. It is a proven fact that Japan is one of the best table tennis nations in the world with many, many fans following their preparation. For us it is the perfect fit to host this activity as it will strengthen the trademark of Varberg as an attractive place for leisure and business.” Martin Anderson
A mouth-watering appetizer for what promises to be an event to remember; the Liebherr World Team Championships, staged in the Halmstad Arena, commence on Sunday 29th April and concludes on Sunday 6th May.
