Al Mohannadi leads talks in Tashkent to strengthen ATTF's partnership with Uzbekistan
Tashkent
Khalil bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, President of the Qatar, Arab, and Asian Table Tennis Federations, led a high-level delegation from the Asian Federation on an official visit to the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. During the visit, he met with a number of senior government and sports officials, including Mr. Kudbiev Sherzod Davletovich, Chairman of the Tax Committee and President of the Uzbek Table Tennis Federation. The visit aims to strengthen regional sports cooperation and explore prospects for developing the game in Central Asia.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Uzbek Tax Committee, marked an important milestone in the partnership between the Asian Federation and Uzbekistan. Future plans for the development of table tennis were reviewed, particularly in light of the remarkable organizational and logistical success of the 29th Asian Youth Championship currently being held in Tashkent, with the participation of 361 players from 22 countries, amid widespread acclaim from international delegations and observers.
Al Mohannadi expressed his deep appreciation for Uzbekistan's efforts in supporting table tennis, stressing that the excellent organization of the current tournament reflects the country's genuine commitment to advancing this sport. He also praised the quality of the facilities and the smooth organization of the 'Homo' complex, which hosted world-class competitions.
During the meeting, Al Mohannadi emphasized that the Asian Federation is confident in Uzbekistan's ability to host the 2026 Asian Championships at an exceptional level. He noted that the country's successive successes in organizing tournaments, along with its advanced infrastructure, make it an ideal candidate to host one of the most important upcoming continental events.
The meeting also addressed the importance of Central Asia as a strategic region on the global table tennis map. Long-term projects were discussed, including the establishment of regional training centers, the expansion of youth programs, and the enhancement of expertise exchange with member states. They also included supporting training and technical education initiatives, which would contribute to building a new generation of players and coaches in the region.
Khalil Al Mohannadi emphasized that the partnership with Uzbekistan goes beyond hosting tournaments, extending to deeper levels of technical, technological, and administrative cooperation. He said the AFC's desire is to make Uzbekistan a pivotal partner in implementing continental development projects, and that this partnership represents a true model of complementary roles between sports institutions and national governments.
The meeting participants also praised the growing role of sports tourism in supporting the local economy. The current Asian Youth Championship demonstrated Uzbekistan's great potential to attract international visitors and highlight the country's cultural and civilizational heritage. Mr. Kudbiev noted this, explaining that the Uzbek government views sports as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development plans.
The meeting concluded with an affirmation of mutual optimism about the future of table tennis in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, and a commitment from both sides to continue working together to expand the game's horizon.
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