Pristina to host major table tennis tournaments
Kosovo was represented for the first time with its state flag in an official international competition at the World Team Table Tennis Championship in China from February 24 to March 2, 2008, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.
In this championship, Kosovo was represented by Besart Domaniku, Betim Sejdiu, and Jeton Beqiri in the men's competition, while Besire Domaniku, Arjeta Terstena, and Blera Abazi competed in the women's category.
The President of the Kosovo Table Tennis Federation, Jeton Oruçi, stated in an interview with KosovaPress that 17 years ago, a major step was taken, marking a historic moment for Kosovo’s sports.
"Seventeen years ago, it was a historic day for Kosovo's sports, but especially for Kosovo’s table tennis. On February 17, Kosovo declared independence, and on February 24, the Kosovo Table Tennis Federation, as the first fully recognized Kosovo federation in the International Table Tennis Federation, was tasked with participating in the World Team Championship in China... It was a historic moment because this flag was raised among 155 different flags, representing the world's newest state at the time, and Kosovo participated for the first time in a country that did not recognize it," Oruçi initially stated.
Furthermore, Oruçi explained that despite China not recognizing Kosovo as a state, the athletes faced no obstacles since the International Table Tennis Federation had guaranteed their participation.
"There were no issues regarding participation because guarantees had been given at the time that our athletes would not be hindered. Of course, non-recognizing states were not pleased, and it was very challenging. Our federation, at that time, did not have an easy task in representing and participating in that championship. However, they succeeded, achieving some victories, although no major results… The main message was that Kosovo has the capacity, has athletes, and is worthy of representing itself in international competitions," Oruçi emphasized.
Oruçi added that since then, Kosovo has continued to be well-represented internationally in table tennis.
"Since that time, Kosovo has consistently participated in international, world, European, and regional competitions. We have skilled athletes who have developed their professional abilities in table tennis. We need to work more on young talent, with our current coaches, and identify potential future coaches. Our goal as a new Executive Board is to immediately engage an international coach who will work with our existing coaches and young players while setting a clear four-year strategy to achieve targeted medals," Oruçi further stated.
Additionally, in May of this year, Pristina will host two international table tennis championships—WTT Youth Contender and WTT Feeder Series—demonstrating the engagement and trust that the Kosovo Table Tennis Federation has gained from the International Table Tennis Federation.
