Sometimes It's Not About the Medal Says Veteran Saudi Athlete

WUHAN (CHN) - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s men’s table tennis team walked away from the bronze medal play-off on October 21 without a medal, however they left with something far more important for their national game.

The Arab nation’s hunger for elite experience for their players far out-weighs their medal desire.

During the playoff for the bronze medal in the men’s table tennis team event, at the Wuhan Five Rings Sports Center Gymnasium, the very competitive Saudi squad composed of Abdulaziz AL-ABBAD, Ali Noor AL KHADRAWI and Abdulaziz were defeated 3-0 by the Republic of Korea’s (KOR) team of KIM Donghyun, JEOUNG Young Sik and CHO Jaejun.

Obviously, a medal would have been a bonus, however long-time national team member AL-ABBAD says his country has a much more long-term plan. They are building the sport to the next level in their country.

And that is why this tournament, against world class opposition, is so important.

“This competition is very, very important and a very good experience for us. I hope the next time we can go back home with a medal. You get better when you play against better players,” says AL-ABBAD.

“A lot of work has been done to improve tennis table in Saudi Arabia. This sport is very important in my country and we work hard at it. We are focusing on our juniors and every time we play outside our country; it is very helpful for the players’s career.”

For several years now, the Saudi team has been travelling the globe, seeking tournaments, especially throughout Asia, that will give their players exposure to the best.

Although local regional tournaments are important, events such as the CISM Military World Games have been the reason the country has climbed the world rankings in recent years.

“We have been up to about 48 in the world ranking and were ranked 92 back in 2014,” said AL-ABBAD.

(Source: SUMOC Executive Committee - Editor LI Mengxue)