by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

It was the first time since the creation of the Mauritanian Table Tennis Federation in 1973 that an ITTF Coaches Course had been organised in the country. Notably, it is only in the last few months that table tennis has begun to resurface in Mauritania.

“The Mauritanian Federation lacks not only structure, coaches, players but also equipment. There are almost no tables, no rackets, no balls, despite the fact that the national association owns two available halls. The arrival of equipment offered by the ITTF will certainly do them good.” Ramzi Mabrouk

Notably, most of participants were government officials, inspectors and managers who worked in the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Mauritania.

“At the beginning of the training, the level of the candidates was very low as they did not know anything about table tennis. As the course progressed, I saw a veritable craze and a real interest in this very playful and attractive game. At the end of the training camp, they promised me to build a solid structure, in partnership with the national association, for a new table tennis in Mauritania.” Ramzi Mabrouk

It would appear for Mauritania the situation is that new blood is needed.

“I felt there is a real will in Mauritania to improve the sport in general and to revive table tennis in particular. It seems to me that this course, which included officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is the first concrete action and we hope that will be followed by many others.” Ramzi Mabrouk

Positive words from Ramzi Mabrouk and no doubt justified; a new dawn surely awaits in Mauritania.