
Omani umpire to officiates at FISU Games
Oman's pioneering table tennis umpire, Aisha al Saidi, continues to raise the Sultanate of Oman's flag high on the international sports events. The distinguished blue badge umpire will officiate at the FISU World University Games 2025 which is set to begin on Wednesday and will run until July 27 in Germany. The table tennis competitions will take place in Essen city at Messe Essen Halle 1 including seven key events: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, mixed doubles, and men's and women's team events.
Aisha, who hails from Saham, made history in March 2022 when she earned her blue badge umpire status at the WTT Youth Contender in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. She was among only three Omanis to achieve this elite status beside Mohammed al Alawi and Ibrahim al Jassasi. Since then, she has officiated at several international World Table Tennis (WTT) events, gaining the desired experience for her professionalism and precision.
Most recently, Aisha was among the selected officials at the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships which concluded in Doha in last May as she oversaw a series of high-profile matches, including some in the final rounds. She participated in the 2024 World Championship in Bosan, South Korea, where she further solidifying her international umpiring credentials. Commenting on her upcoming assignment, Aisha said it is a great honor to be selected to officiate at another global event. 'I look forward to representing Oman at the FISU Games and contributing to the success of the tournament. This is another milestone in my umpiring journey, and I am eager to continue developing and officiating at the highest levels.' She ended
Aisha began her career in 2016 and she was consistent presence in domestic, regional and international table tennis tournaments. Her progression through the ranks reflects not only her personal dedication but also the growing impact of Omani officials in international sports.
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