Table tennis is one of the most popular sports in the country, with over 3000 regular players. The association has in place a robust structure of 16 training centres, with some coaches providing their services in dedicated sport schools, and has set up 15-17 local championships annually for players to measure up against each other. As Uzbekistan has begun to organize WTT events and Continental Championships, the aim is to expose local players to these high-level events and inspire them to practice hard to raise their level in the future. Uzbekistan has also organized a Regional Hopes Week & Challenge in 2024, underlining the association’s strategic commitment to introducing a new generation of talents to the sport, building on the strengths of their active players.
The course itself, consisting of 2 daily sessions, was delivered to 27 fully motivated coaches from across the country (13 women, 14 men), all of them active coaches working in one of the many training centres, sports schools, or Olympic development centres. The main objectives of the course were to provide participants with access to modern coaching techniques and training principles, which could then be included in the training programs of their players and training groups in the centres.
“The course was a success in all aspects: the theory studies, the practical element, and the training camp that followed the course” – Mohammed Atoum, ITTF Expert
Ruslan Vladimirovich Orazmetov, Head coach of Tashkent City club, said: ” The coaches were very satisfied and were fully involved in the theoretical and practical sessions. I am sure that this course served as a stimulus for further development of table tennis in our country”.
Course participant Abdukhalilova Sayyorakhon Turgunboy Kizi shared: ”I am extremely grateful to be part of this program. The sessions have been incredibly valuable, well-structured, and engaging, providing a wealth of knowledge that I am eager to apply. I am confident that the insights shared during the program will benefit not only me but also the wider community of coaches in our region. I look forward to passing on the valuable information and skills I’ve gained to enhance the development of sports in Namangan and beyond”.
The 5-day training camp, which followed the course, had 24 players participating, of which 13 were female. The aim was to improve the basic technical skills and to prepare the players for the upcoming events, which will be held at the end of May and June in Tashkent City. The players showed their enthusiasm during the sessions and gave their maximum to improve. The coaches also played an excellent role in supporting multiball training and on-ball training”, said Mohammed Atoum.
Gavkharkhon Mukaddasova, the Secretary General of the Uzbek Table Tennis Federation (UTTF) was onsite from the beginning, ensuring that the necessary arrangements and logistics were in place for the instructor and participants for a successful coaching program. She said: ”The Uzbekistan Table Tennis Federation is committed to developing all aspects of table tennis within the country, including coach education and establishing a clear development pathway for players to qualify for the Olympic Games. We believe this course presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the knowledge and expertise of our coaches, which will, in turn, positively impact players across all regions of Uzbekistan. This is just the beginning of our efforts, and it will continue year after year as we plan to organize more coaching seminars and development courses to further strengthen the sport. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for making this course possible. We look forward to continued collaboration in the future”.